Battleground: 10 Conflicts that Explain the New Middle East

The Middle East is in crisis due to the war in Gaza, Arab Spring, civil wars, coups, and autocracies. Geopolitical rivalries in the region include Russia, China, the EU, and the US. The US overextension and retreat in the 2010s has imbalanced the region, leaving its fate in the balance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

The Middle East is in a state of crisis, with the shocking events of the war in Gaza shaking the entire region. More than a decade ago, the Arab Spring had raised hopes of a new beginning, but instead, it ushered in a series of civil wars, coups, and even harsher autocracies. Tensions were further exacerbated by the meddling of outsiders, as regional and global powers sought to further their interests. The United States, for so long the dominant actor, had stepped back, leaving a vacuum behind it to be fought over.

Christopher Phillips delves into the geopolitical rivalries in the region, examining the major external powers vying for influence: Russia, China, the EU, and the US. Moving through ten key flashpoints, from Syria to Palestine, Phillips argues that the United States' overextension after the Cold War and retreat in the 2010s have imbalanced the region. Today, the Middle East remains plagued by conflicts of unprecedented violence and a post-American scramble for power, leaving its fate in the balance.

The war in Gaza has highlighted the complex and interconnected nature of the Middle East's geopolitical landscape. The region is home to a multitude of ethnic, religious, and political groups, each with its own set of interests and allegiances. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, for example, is driven by a combination of territorial claims, religious beliefs, and political ideologies.

The involvement of external powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China, in the Middle East has further complicated the situation. These powers have their own strategic interests in the region, and they often compete for influence and control. The US, for instance, has been a major player in the region since the end of the Cold War, supporting Israel and promoting democracy and human rights. However, its involvement in the region has also been criticized for its support for authoritarian regimes and its involvement in conflicts such as the war in Iraq.

Russia, on the other hand, has been increasing its presence in the Middle East in recent years, particularly through its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia has also been building up its military presence in the region, including the deployment of ballistic missiles and other advanced weapons systems. China, meanwhile, has been pursuing a more diplomatic approach to the Middle East, focusing on economic development and trade partnerships.

The EU, as a regional power, has also been active in the Middle East, particularly in efforts to promote peace and stability. The EU has been involved in peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, and it has also provided humanitarian aid and support to refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria.

However, the EU's involvement in the Middle East has also been criticized for its lack of effectiveness and its failure to address the root causes of the region's conflicts. The EU's approach to the region has often been seen as too focused on economic interests and trade agreements, rather than on promoting human rights and democracy.

The Middle East is also facing a number of other challenges, including economic instability, political corruption, and social unrest. The region's oil-rich countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, have been struggling with declining oil prices, which has led to economic hardship economic growth and social unrest. Political corruption, meanwhile, has been a major issue in many Middle Eastern countries, with authoritarian regimes often using corruption to maintain their power and control over their populations.

Social unrest, meanwhile, has been a growing issue in the region, with protests and demonstrations breaking out in many countries, particularly in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. These protests have been driven by a range of issues, including economic inequality, political repression, and environmental degradation.

In conclusion, the Middle East is in a state of crisis, with the war in Gaza highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of the region's geopolitical landscape. The region is home to a multitude of ethnic, religious, and political groups, each with its own set of interests and allegiances. The involvement of external powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China, has further complicated the situation, with these powers often competing for influence and control. The Middle East is also facing a number of other challenges, including economic instability, political corruption, and social unrest. The region's fate is in the balance, and it is essential that all parties involved work towards a peaceful and stable resolution to the region's conflicts.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300263428