'Reimagining the Middle East': Embracing change in a world where power shifts and new alliances emerge

The Middle East is a region where geopolitical dynamics can shift unexpectedly.

- PROF. NISHAKANT OJHA

While the Israel-Palestine conflict is often seen as emblematic of regional tensions, its duration of about a century is relatively short compared to other global conflicts. This article will explore the evolving alliances within the Middle East, the realignment of key regional and global powers, and potential pathways toward peace.

Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has held significant sway over global affairs. The collapse of the Soviet Union did not diminish the perception of international relations as zero-sum games. The "War on Terror," failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the rise of groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS reinforced this view. Meanwhile, China emerged as a secondary global power in the 1990s, altering the balance of international influence. This article will examine China's growing role in reshaping the Middle East's geopolitics, the shift toward a multipolar world, and how the U.S. can adapt to these changes.

POST-COLD WAR DYNAMICS: U.S. DOMINANCE AND SHIFTING ALLIANCES

Following the Cold War, the U.S. became the primary power in the Middle East, shaping the region's political landscape with policies rooted in Cold War thinking. The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, were part of U.S. efforts to curb Iran's influence. However, as regional dynamics became more complex, the U.S.'s reliance on military intervention and bloc-based politics showed diminishing returns.

The aftermath of 9/11 shifted U.S. focus to the "War on Terror," resulting in interventions that, while aimed at combating terrorism, deepened regional divides. This prompted a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy as rising global and regional powers began challenging its dominance.

CHINA'S STRATEGIC APPROACH TO THE MIDDLE EAST