Great Powers and Geostrategy

Analyzing Great Power engagement with the Middle East and the region’s geostrategic questions

Most analysts note the growing Russian and Chinese presence in the Middle East and presume that the Great Powers will increasingly compete for influence there, given the region’s energy reserves and security vulnerabilities. Yet, even now, the Great Powers see the Middle East differently from each other. Changes in the global energy mix, demographics, trade patterns, and other factors are likely to heighten those differences in the coming decades. The Middle East Program examines evolving trends in Great Power-Middle East engagement, as well as Great Power conflict and collaboration within the region, with a focus on geostrategy.

 

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Photo: Frederic J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Frederic J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

The Vital Triangle

Book by Jon B. Alterman and John W. Garver

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Babel: U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part One

Jon takes a closer look at how the United States responded to the 9/11 attacks by deepening its involvement in the Middle East, how its role in the region has changed, and how some people think it needs to change a lot more. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 8, 2022

CSIS Babel U.S. in the Middle East
Babel: Translating the Middle East

U.S. Power and Influence in the Middle East: Part One

Jon takes a closer look at how the United States responded to the 9/11 attacks by deepening its involvement in the Middle East, how its role in the region has changed, and how some people think it needs to change a lot more. 

Podcast Episode by Jon B. Alterman — March 8, 2022

CSIS Babel

Ukraine, the Middle East, and Hedging

Jon Alterman explores how Middle Eastern governments have responded to Russia's invasion and why their responses have been tepid.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — March 1, 2022

When Our Middle East Friends Talk, They Talk about Hedging

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses how uncertainty in a changing global environment is driving Middle Eastern countries to hedge between regional rivals, as well as between the United States and China.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — February 22, 2022

Rescuing Aid in Syria

Eleven years into the Syrian conflict, needs continue to rise. Yet, violence, uncertainty, and the Syrian government’s manipulation of the aid sector continues to plague the aid response. This CSIS report articulates the challenges to assistance and how to overcome them.

Report by Natasha Hall — February 14, 2022

Doing Less Is Not Enough

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses the Biden administration’s return to the basics in the Middle East and the need for an organizing principle.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — December 13, 2021

The Puzzle of U.S.-Saudi Ties

Jon Alterman tackles the ambivalent relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 20, 2021

China Headaches for Iran Deal

Jon Alterman gives a commentary on China’s changing role in nuclear negotiations.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 22, 2021

The Implications of the UN Cross-Border Vote in Syria

Russia is threatening to end UN cross-border humanitarian operations in Syria when the needs are rising. This report addresses the potential impact of ending these operations and what those who care about the humanitarian crisis and regional stability should do about it.

Brief by Natasha Hall — June 4, 2021