ABSTRACT
The Middle East is a highly dynamic and unstructured regional system in which power relations
are fluid and order is in short supply. Inevitably, the fluidity of power and the absence of a regional
hegemonic power have invited external intervention. Furthermore, the region’s dynamism not only
has exacerbated the subsystem’s fragmentation into sub-regions but also has afforded opportunities
for the better-endowed small Arab states to play in the greater game of regional power politics. Yet,
if one takes the long view, it is clear that only a handful of states have directly impacted the region’s
power relations, and today only four of these countries – Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel –
meet the minimum requirements of middle power status in the MENA regional system. Their
position in this fragmented and strategically-placed subsystem will be discussed in some detail.
Middle Powers Anarchical System Balance of Power Regional Rivalry Arab Cold War Penetrated Regional System
Primary Language | English |
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Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | September 1, 2014 |
Published in Issue | Year 2014 Volume: 11 Issue: 42 |