Redefining security in the Middle East: a path towards a new security paradigm
Justification for this topic:
• The Middle East is witnessing rapid changes with major repercussions for regional security and stability. Some of these changes originate from within the region, while others are related to broader shifts around the world, such as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging transformational technologies. In recent years, the region has seen relative improvements in its security and prospects for sustainable development. The decline of civil conflicts after the Arab Spring era, the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the signing of the Abraham Accords have brought new opportunities for regional peace and stability.
• Therefore, it is the aim of this research to dive into the idea of a new security paradigm Think NATO: Middle East Version/ Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Middle East
- Previous attempts at regional alliances
- US Military Footprint declining and what that means for Middle East powers
- Membership
Rough research Question (can be adjusted based on the writer): Is a new security and military alliance in the Middle East viable given the rapid changes in regional security and stability?
• A starting point for developing the conceptual framework:
o What facts and developments dictate the formation of such an alliance?
• Conceptual framework (theories, concepts and ideas) to engage with – it might even be useful to embed a theoretical perspective (for example a theory of power relations) into the research question to give something clear to explore in the analysis and avoid description.
• Identify an epistemological and methodological approach.
A few ways to take this analysis:
• an institutionalist perspective given that the focus of the project is ultimately on the viability of the emergence of a supranational institution emerging in the Middle East.
• consider engaging with some of the literature around explaining the early development of other supranational institutions (NATO, EU etc) – ie. why did they emerge when they did? What were the key factors? And then you could see if those theories/factors are relevant to assessing the viability of a similar institution emerging within the Middle East.
o Focus on the ‘viability’ of such an organisation emerging