Global Security Briefing New ‘Great Power’ Competition in the Middle East
Feb 12, 2025
Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow specializing in Middle East Security, and Michael Stephens, a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI, discuss the shifting alliances and emerging power struggles reshaping the Middle East. They delve into the implications of the recent Gaza conflict, questioning Western influence and the potential for a unified Arab response. The conversation highlights changing global dynamics, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the evolving roles of major powers like the U.S., Iran, and China.
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Shifting Regional Order
- The Middle East is facing a potential shift in regional order, marked by competing visions for the future.
- These visions are driven by both international and regional powers, raising questions about the West's declining influence.
Reactions to Trump's Gaza Plan
- Trump's Gaza plan has sparked widespread condemnation in the Middle East, raising concerns about Palestinian displacement.
- The plan's potential impact on the two-state solution and regional stability remains a key concern.
Alternative Plans for Gaza
- There's a lack of a clear alternative plan for Gaza, creating uncertainty and concern in the region.
- While there's discussion of a reformed Palestinian Authority, no consensus exists on a path forward.