The current situation in the Middle East is a result of the political and military influence of Western powers, proxy wars, religious and cultural clashes and collapsing regimes which lead to power vacuums and rising radical and terroristic groups. This essay analysis the political and societal situation in the Middle East until 2017 and the developments from Israel to Syria that helped evolve the current crisis.
In the Middle East, states are enemy’s due to disputes on religious dispositions, ethnic backgrounds and spheres of political and economical influence. The Middle East region itself - even though its member states share a similar history, culture and religion - is no entity. Arab states against the „little Satan“, the artificial state of Israel and Arab states against Arab states - Sunni against Shia.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Definition of the Middle East
1.2 Current Situation in the Middle East
2. Analysis
3.1 Historical Source of constant Middle East crisis
3.2 Conclusion
3. Bibliography
4.1 Online Sources
4.2 Printed Publications
Research Objective and Core Themes
This paper aims to explore the multifaceted causes behind the persistent state of instability, stagnation, and violence in the Middle East, examining how historical legacies, foreign interventions, and internal socio-political dynamics contribute to the ongoing regional crisis.
- The impact of colonial-era border delineations and their long-term effects on regional stability.
- The role of foreign interventions and Cold War dynamics in shaping contemporary power struggles.
- The rise of sectarianism and the failure of stable governance within Middle Eastern states.
- The evolution of extremist groups like ISIS and the binary struggle between state and non-state actors.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Historical Source of constant Middle East crisis
In the Middle East, states are enemy´s due to disputes on religious dispositions, ethnic backgrounds and spheres of political and economical influence. The Middle East region itself - even though its member states share a similar history, culture and religion - is no entity. Arab states against the „little Satan“, the artificial state of Israel and Arab states against Arab states - Sunni against Shia.
The source of conflict began with the First and Second World War.
Due to its geographic location and rich resources in oil, the Middle East has ever since, been of great interest for various empires and local actors to fight for influence in the region.
Thereby both World Wars are fundamental for todays situation in the Middle East. After World War One, the imperial super powers France and Great Britain planned the redistribution of the region. The British diplomat Sir Henry McMahon promised Hussein ibn Ali al-Hashimi, Sharif and Emir of Mecca, and his sons most of todays Arab world (from the Hedjaz to Mesopotamia) and assured them military support and protection in trade-off for oil access. But the British were trying to keep things open and at the end betrayed the Arabs - „The ungrounded King of Arabia“ - Colonel T.E. Lawrence.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the geographical and political scope of the Middle East and provides an overview of the volatile contemporary situation, including the impact of the Arab Spring and foreign policies.
2. Analysis: This section investigates the historical roots of the Middle Eastern crisis, focusing on colonial legacies, the impact of the World Wars, and the rise of non-state actors and terrorist organizations.
3. Bibliography: This chapter lists the primary and secondary sources used in the paper, categorized into online sources and printed publications.
Keywords
Middle East, Crisis, Sectarianism, Governance, Colonialism, ISIS, Sunni-Shia conflict, Foreign Intervention, Nationalism, Oil, Geopolitics, Arab Spring, State failure, Terrorism, Radicalism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the underlying causes of the enduring cycle of violence, political stagnation, and crisis currently observed across the Middle East.
What are the central thematic fields addressed?
The work covers historical colonial influence, regional sectarianism, the role of foreign powers, and the emergence of extremist non-state actors.
What is the primary research goal?
The objective is to explain why the region struggles to overcome conflict and to identify the specific drivers of current instability.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author employs a historical-analytical approach, synthesizing existing literature, historical events, and contemporary political developments to draw conclusions.
What is covered in the main section?
The main section analyzes historical origins, such as the post-WWI era, the "Israel factor," the impact of U.S. intervention, and the rise of ISIS.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Middle East, Sectarianism, Governance, Colonialism, ISIS, Geopolitics, and Foreign Intervention.
How does the author characterize the role of the colonial legacy?
The author argues that the arbitrary drawing of borders by France and Britain ignored existing ethnic and religious realities, creating a foundation for persistent internal conflict.
What role does the author attribute to ISIS in the current crisis?
ISIS is identified as a major destabilizing force that exploited political vacuums and social discontent, creating a binary struggle between state and non-state actors.
What is the author's conclusion regarding the current state of the region?
The conclusion suggests that the crisis is an accumulation of historical betrayals, poor governance, external interference, and a shift toward extremist interpretations of religious identity.
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- Julia Weber (Autor:in), 2017, The Crisis in the Middle East. An explanation of the persistence of stagnation and violence in the region, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/539865
