Middle East

Middle Eastern geopolitics is characterised by overlapping rivalries, energy flows, and external power engagement. Iran's network of regional partners, Gulf state diversification strategies, and the enduring centrality of the Israel-Palestine conflict shape the security landscape. At the same time, maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb link regional stability to global energy markets and trade. This section examines proxy competition, defence cooperation, and the geopolitical implications of economic reform initiatives across the Gulf. It also tracks the evolving role of external actors, including the United States, Russia, China, and European states, in security and infrastructure projects. Through integrated mapping and analysis, the hub highlights how local conflicts intersect with broader strategic competition.