Great Power Competition

Policy Analysis on Great Power Competition

Palestinians More Positive on Abraham Accords and Open to Vying Powers Than Arab Neighbors

Results from a new public opinion poll conducted in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem show key differences between Palestinian attitudes and those of respondents elsewhere in the Arab world when it comes to relations with Israel and the roles of the United States, China, Russia, and other regional powers.

Aug 23, 2023

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Frances McDonough

A United States Air Force trainer works with soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces - source: U.S. government

Brief Analysis

Niger Coup Threatens U.S. Strategy on Counterterrorism and Russia

An entrenched military junta could jeopardize America’s primary CT partner in West Africa, create ripple effects for security beyond the Sahel, and give Russia’s Wagner Group a new opening on the continent.

Aug 16, 2023

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Ben Fishman
Anna Borshchevskaya
Aaron Y. Zelin

Crown Prince Muhammad and President Xi walking in Riyadh.

Brief Analysis

Closing Washington’s China Gap with Middle East Partners

For the first time in decades, America’s top strategic priority diverges from that of its key regional partners, but Washington can close the gap by increasing their understanding of China and removing the blinders from their threat perceptions.

Aug 14, 2023

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Michael Singh

Fikra Forum

How a Small Saudi City Explains China’s Role in the Saudi-Iran Agreement

China's recent mediation efforts between Riyadh and Tehran were motivated by a combination of strategic outlook and economic interest in the Middle East, signaling a gradual shift away from its traditional "free-riding" approach.

Jul 31, 2023

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Essa Nahari

Fikra Forum

The Wagner Group in Syria: Profiting Off Failed States

Despite discord between the Wagner Group and the Russian government, the entrenched economic and military engagement of Wagner forces in Syria is unlikely to change soon.

Jul 21, 2023

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Emad Bouzo

Brief Analysis

On Syria Aid, Don’t Bet on the Security Council

Seventeen Russian vetoes have hobbled the council’s ability to keep humanitarian assistance flowing, so Washington and its allies should look to the General Assembly instead—or take matters into their own hands on the Turkish border.

Jul 19, 2023

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Andrew J. Tabler
Anna Borshchevskaya

Ukrainian soldier beside destroyed Russian tank in Novodarivka, Ukraine

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Is Reshaping the Global Arms Market:

Implications for the Middle East and Beyond

As Moscow grapples with battlefield losses and other challenges, traditional Russian clients are considering alternative sources, emerging exporters are amplifying their sales pitches, and governments are building up their domestic defense industrial bases.

Jul 17, 2023

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Grant Rumley
Louis Dugit-Gros

Fikra Forum

Saudi Survey Says: Nearly Half Back “Moderate Islam”; Few Support Internal Protests or War with Iran

Saudi minds have become considerably more open to a modern version of Islam since this question was first asked in 2017.

Jul 14, 2023

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David Pollock
Daniel Chodorow

Brief Analysis

Wagner vs. Russia’s Defense Ministry in the Middle East

Russia’s domestic military crisis could hold significant consequences for its regional operations, from heightening the risk of clashes with U.S. forces in Syria to putting a public face on its destabilizing activities in Libya.

Jun 29, 2023

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Anna Borshchevskaya
Ben Fishman
Andrew J. Tabler

Brief Analysis

Iranian Reactions to the Wagner Standoff in Russia

Iranian officials are keenly aware that Putin’s crisis parallels their own vulnerabilities, so they will likely step up their efforts to cement the bilateral security relationship and obtain Russian weapons and technology.

Jun 28, 2023

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Farzin Nadimi

A refugee from the Russian invasion of Ukraine holds a Ukrainian passport - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Turkey’s Growing Ukrainian and Russian Communities

For nationals on both sides of the fight, the Ukraine war has transformed Turkey from a popular summer destination to a longer-term safe haven or permanent home on the Mediterranean.

Jun 28, 2023

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Sude Akgundogdu
Collin Trissel

Qazi Muhammed salutes at the founding of the Kurdish Republic of Mahabad in 1946 - source: Wikimedia Commons

Articles & Testimony

Russia and the Kurds: A Soft-Power Tool for the Kremlin?

An in-depth look at how Russian leaders have played the Kurdish card over the past two centuries, including recent engagement in Syria and Iraq.

Summer 2023

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Fikra Forum

Egyptians Still Lukewarm on Mass Street Protests; U.S. Trails Russia and China as Overall Partner, But Edges Out Both as Security Partner

A new public opinion poll of Egyptian citizens, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in late March/April by a regional commercial firm, showed that despite the current economic doldrums, street protests remained unpopular.

Jun 5, 2023

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Mohamed Abdelaziz

Photo illustration depicting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Russian president Vladimir Putin - Washington Institute illustration, original images from Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Hizbullah and Russia’s Nascent Alliance

Although much is still unknown about the full extent of their collaboration, U.S. sanctions designations have revealed a multifaceted and increasingly lucrative relationship that should not be ignored amid other crises.

May 23, 2023

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Aurora Ortega
Matthew Levitt

Fikra Forum

New Kuwait Poll Shows Little Interest in Protests Despite Deadlock, Split Views of Global Powers

In a new public opinion poll commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted in March-April by an independent regional firm, Kuwaitis appeared averse to any disruptions at home or around the region, even as tensions grow across Kuwait’s political scene.

May 18, 2023

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Frances McDonough

Illustration of the Algerian and Russian flags

Brief Analysis

Algeria-Russia Relations After the Ukraine Invasion

The North African country has maintained a close rapport with its traditional security partner, but a perpetual desire for balance and autonomy could offer opportunities for Western countries, including the United States.

May 18, 2023

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Sabina Henneberg
Grant Rumley
Erik Yavorsky

Brief Analysis

Preserving U.S. Military Advantages in the Middle East

In areas such as basing, air superiority, high-tech weapons, and intelligence, America must act assertively to maintain its edge against competitors like Russia and China.

May 14, 2023

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Nathan P. Olsen

Candidates Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Kemal Kilicdarolgu, May 2023 Turkish elections

Articles & Testimony

Even If Erdogan Is Defeated, Turkey Is Still Up for Grabs

Western gestures on trade and defense could reinforce a pro-democratic outcome and counter interference by Vladimir Putin.

May 11, 2023

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Soner Cagaptay

Fikra Forum

The Growth of Chinese Influence in Egypt: Signs and Consequences

Chinese influence extends beyond the economic sphere, posing serious threats to Egypt's security interests and relationship with the United States.

Apr 27, 2023

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Mohamed Maher
Mohamed Farid

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

The Militia-Russia Love Affair: April 2023 Update

Iraqi militia officials are still regularly praising Putin's invasion of Ukraine and even conferring honorary Shia Muslim status on Russian officials.

Apr 26, 2023

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Amir al-Kaabi

◆ Militia Spotlight

Supported by the

Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East

The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East focuses on the region as a setting for heightened competition between the United States and other world powers, such as China and Russia.

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Featured experts

Grant Rumley

Grant Rumley is the Meisel-Goldberger Senior Fellow and Director of the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Anna Borshchevskaya

Anna Borshchevskaya is the Harold Grinspoon Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute, focusing on Russia's policy toward the Middle East.

Michael Singh

Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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Great Power Competition

Policy Analysis on Great Power Competition

Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East

Featured experts

Regions & Countries

Issues

Great Power Competition

Policy Analysis on Great Power Competition

Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East

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Featured experts