Abstract
Since the onset of the Arab Spring, there has been a growing interest in the changing balance of power of the Middle East. The balance of power theory in global context has been extensively studied. However, little research has been dedicated to the theory’s applicability solely at the regional level, especially with the contemporary Middle East in focus, while the region is suffering from armed conflicts involving virtually all the regional states as well as the great powers and many different non-state actors. This paper is an attempt to shed light on the applicability of the balance of power concept and the theory of omnibalancing in relation to the Middle East through reviewing the relevant literature.
Highlights
Recent studies have focused on the changing balance of power of the Middle East, the interpretation of this variously defined term/theory/concept remains a major issue for researchers
Little research has been dedicated to the theory’s applicability solely at the regional level, especially with the contemporary Middle East in focus, while the region is suffering from armed conflicts involving virtually all the regional states as well as the great powers and many different non-state actors
If one really intends to adapt the balance of power theory to the Middle East region, one must look at the possible balancing behaviours of the regional actors, which may serve as evidence for an operating regional balance of power system
Summary
Recent studies have focused on the changing balance of power of the Middle East, the interpretation of this variously defined term/theory/concept remains a major issue for researchers. Prevention of any great power from making unfair relative gains at the expense of the others.[15] In effect, all these conditions are met in case of the Middle East region, they need to be discussed further, since they can be debated or questioned. Taking into consideration the warming Israel–Saudi relations – which was unthinkable a few years ago –maybe it can be concluded that today there are no alliance handicaps in the region Since this argument is about a regional balance of power system as an international order, it must be mentioned here how this term applies to the Greater Middle East[17] region. It is important to note here, that the balance of power systems does not function always properly and predictably, as balancing behaviour can be late, uncertain, or non-existent.[24]
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