Journal on World Affairs, UCLA
A joint investment plan could jumpstart regional economic diversification, the lack of which is a problem in most countries in the Middle East. As a result, these countries’ economic prosperity is almost entirely reliant on the market for one or a few products, most notably oil.
While the United States continues to move out of the CENTCOM area of responsibility and look elsewhere in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, ensuring regional denuclearization in the Middle East and establishing a free flow of oil must remain in America’s national interest.
Ultimately, intimidation and psychological warfare against innocent civilians contributed to the group’s success just as much as physical destruction did.
American strategy towards the Middle East is characterized by an overemphasis on military aid, rather than a long-term developmental strategy to safeguard American interests.
Tunisia emerged as the democratic success story of the Arab Spring, but President Saied is changing course.
As the administration in Iran shifts from placid reformist Hassan Rouhani to long avowed hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, the attitude towards Saudi Arabia treads a novel path.
Lebanon’s precarious financial situation is no surprise to those that have paid attention to the government’s ineptitude, corruption, and constant sectarian strife for the last thirty years—but it was not inevitable.
Is Saudi Arabia America’s asset or liability? Ranhita Bora and Tatiana Zinn take on Zachary Durkee in JWA’s first debate series. We hope to challenge preexisting ideas and foster a better understanding of America’s strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia by encouraging an openness and a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and think critically about the nature of strategic relations.
Despite international calls for conflict resolution in Yemen, the United States has played a significant and damaging role in its current crisis.
While Washington is unlikely to remove all economic sanctions imposed on Iran, only time will tell which country will give in first. Even though the United States continues to carry a big stick, at some point some compromise from both sides must occur.
Journal on World Affairs, UCLA