Today’s Geopolitics as envisioned from the MENA region

In today’s world, geopolitics is envisioned from the global south, particularly the MENA region, as described below. The above image is for illustration and is pretty representative – credit Market Forces Africa.

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Today’s Geopolitics as envisioned from the MENA region

After the decline of the European empires, new powers like the USA, China, and Russia eagerly focused on the African continent, a treasure trove of energy and minerals. Each seeks to flaunt its most alluring assets, with China’s “string of pearls” initiative emerging as a modern-day Silk Road and a vital component of this geopolitical dance.

These powers seem to have expertly provoked discord among the fractured states of sub-Saharan Africa, gaining influence with minimal human and material costs while dismantling the outdated structures of the past. These nations, marked by baseless or arbitrary borders and deep-seated rivalries, have unwittingly become pawns, carrying out the agendas of outside forces.

The former pro-Soviet republics, such as Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, have paid a steep price for their military loyalty to Russia. In sharp contrast, U.S.-aligned oil monarchies and those keen to recognise Israel have largely sidestepped the turmoil unleashed by Western intervention. The so-called “Arab Spring” was expertly choreographed or orchestrated by the US, akin to strategic manoeuvres in Ukraine designed to, among other objectives, diminish Russia’s influence in its last stronghold of the Middle East—Syria. As a result, Israel is positioned to act with reckless abandon, potentially erasing Gaza and committing acts of genocide against its people, all while enjoying the unwavering support of the US and the indifference of much of the global community, including the Sultans and Emirs.

Today, the US is a master of the Middle East, leveraging its vast fossil fuel reserves and its pivotal geographic position at the crossroads of three continents. This prowess enables it to shape global interests to align with its objectives, furthering Trump’s vision of “making America great again.” The question remains: will this bold strategy find success? Only time will tell.