The Middle East Dichotomy

Becoming more evident in recent years, the latest events taking place in the Middle East may reinforce an awareness of the changing role of Middle Eastern states in international relations. Episodes such as U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the Gaza Strip and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria have further highlighted this trend. Additionally, recent Russian–American negotiations in Saudi Arabia have raised questions about the interplay between regional and global developments, the interactions between Middle Eastern states and external actors, and the evolving role of Middle Eastern states in global and regional politics. The authors of the report, “Extra-Regional Actors in the Middle East,” address some of these pressing concerns. The joint work of both regional specialists and external actor policy experts provides a new perspective on current trends in the Middle East.

Becoming more evident in recent years, the latest events taking place in the Middle East may reinforce an awareness of the changing role of Middle Eastern states in international relations. Episodes such as U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the Gaza Strip and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria have further highlighted this trend. Additionally, recent Russian–American negotiations in Saudi Arabia have raised questions about the interplay between regional and global developments, the interactions between Middle Eastern states and external actors, and the evolving role of Middle Eastern states in global and regional politics. The authors of the report, “Extra-Regional Actors in the Middle East,” address some of these pressing concerns. The joint work of both regional specialists and external actor policy experts provides a new perspective on current trends in the Middle East.

Becoming more evident in recent years, the latest events taking place in the Middle East may reinforce an awareness of the changing role of Middle Eastern states in international relations. Episodes such as U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the Gaza Strip and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria have further highlighted this trend. Additionally, recent Russian–American negotiations in Saudi Arabia have raised questions about the interplay between regional and global developments, the interactions between Middle Eastern states and external actors, and the evolving role of Middle Eastern states in global and regional politics. The authors of the report, “Extra-Regional Actors in the Middle East,” address some of these pressing concerns. The joint work of both regional specialists and external actor policy experts provides a new perspective on current trends in the Middle East.

Ivan Bocharov:
Conflict in the Middle East: Possible Regional Implications

Not long ago, global powers and international organizations used to play a leading role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East. However, the involvement of regional players in mediation efforts has recently become notable, as demonstrated by Egypt and Qatar following the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore, some countries in the region – such as the Arab States and Turkey – offer mediation services even beyond the Middle East, for example through their diplomatic efforts related to the conflict in Ukraine. In general, the desire of Middle Eastern states to strengthen their role, not only regionally but also globally is increasingly evident.

At the same time, Middle Eastern states do not seek a complete elimination of external influence, and global factors still play a significant role in maintaining security and stability in the region. Middle Eastern political elites are interested in a more constructive role for external actors and their contributions to solving regional issues rather than creating new problems. However, mutual distrust and contradictions between key non-regional powers significantly complicate the development of joint solutions for regional issues.

Moreover, global powers adjusting their Middle East policies – optimizing state resources and minimizing expenditures on non-essential areas – is further affecting the situation. This trend becomes particularly evident in U.S. policies. However, the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the intensifying tensions between Israel and Iran demonstrate Washington’s readiness to optimize its strategy and, if necessary, increase its military presence in the region.

Andrey Kortunov:
Middle East in the New Trump Era: Russia’s Foreign Policy Dilemmas

The Middle East notably continues to require external security guarantees. This is demonstrated not only by increased military cooperation between Middle Eastern states and the United States, but also by the intensification of China’s role as a mediator in the normalization of Saudi-Iranian relations, as well as the development of its partnerships with Russia, India and other states. Meanwhile, economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important in non-regional actor relations. Middle Eastern states view it as an instrument to address the socio-economic challenges they, for various reasons, still face.

Despite the efforts of Middle Eastern countries to enhance their influence in regional and international affairs, they continue to deal with issues that require external support. Issues related to security and economic development are further complicated by climate change, migration crises, terrorist threats and many other challenges that extend beyond regional borders. Thus, despite the growing significance of Middle Eastern states in international relations, assistance from non-regional powers remains essential in addressing regional challenges.