BLUF
Middle Eastern states are not forming rival blocs, but cooperating selectively by issue while maintaining competing interests elsewhere. This flexible, sector-based approach reflects growing strategic autonomy and limits the emergence of rigid alliance structures.Learning Outcomes
- Explain the concept of modular alignment in the Middle East and distinguish it from traditional bloc formation.
- Analyse the strategic, political, and economic relationships among key regional actors, including the R4 countries, the UAE, Israel, and other partners.
- Evaluate the implications of increasing regional strategic autonomy for regional security and external powers, including the significance of the Mecca Agreement and the evolving role of the United States.
