MENA Region in the Changing Global Order: Impacts of Historical Legacies and Contemporary
摘要
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands as a crucial global nexus, shaped by its strategic location and vast hydrocarbon wealth that perpetually draw international interest. Historically, the United States dominated the region, forging strong alliances with Gulf states to secure energy supplies, combat terrorism, and maintain stability. Yet, the legacy of artificial borders and entrenched ethnic tensions—epitomized by the establishment of Israel in 1948—has fueled ongoing conflicts, casting a long shadow over the region’s stability. Recently, regional dynamics have shifted, with China and Russia making significant inroads into MENA. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has deepened economic ties, driven infrastructure investments, and advanced oil trade in yuan, challenging the supremacy of the US dollar. Meanwhile, Russia has asserted its influence through robust military alliances and arms deals, carving out a strategic foothold in the region. These developments mark a potential pivot toward an Asia-centric global order, where China’s economic ambitions and Russia’s geopolitical strategies redefine traditional alignments. The outcome of 2024 election of the United States may herald a new phase in US engagement with the region. Looking at the past, President Donald Trump’s administration may focus on stabilizing relations with Saudi Arabia and intensifying pressure on Iran. This might recalibrate America’s role in the evolving MENA landscape. Amid these shifting alliances, the region faces the formidable task of balancing the competing interests of global powers while leveraging its resources to sustain stability and growth. As MENA navigates this complex geopolitical terrain, its ability to adapt to an emerging multipolar world will be pivotal, solidifying its enduring relevance on the global stage.