The Middle East – The Emergence of a New Balance of Power or the Beginning of an Endless War?
Prof. Dr. Vladimir Ajzenhamer delivered a lecture on contemporary geopolitical developments in the Middle East, changing regional power relations, and the security challenges shaping the region.
The Middle East – The Emergence of a New Balance of Power or the Beginning of an Endless War? - sixth lecture
The lecture “The Middle East – The Emergence of a New Balance of Power or the Beginning of an Endless War?”, delivered by Prof. Dr. Vladimir Ajzenhamer, examined the transformation of the regional order in the Middle East following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The lecture analyzed changes in relations among regional actors, highlighting the weakening of Iran's network of proxy actors, the limitations of the U.S. offshore balancing strategy, and shifts in regional deterrence mechanisms. It also addressed the role of the United States and the challenges facing the existing regional security architecture. The concluding discussion explored similarities and differences between Israeli and Iranian strategic culture, including the concepts of hubris, the cyclical nature of conflict, and the mythologization of politics as factors shaping the long-term dynamics of regional conflicts and the potential for further escalation. The lecture concluded with an overview of possible future political and security developments in the Middle East.
