8: Regional Influence and Ambitions

Author:
Restricted access
Rights and permissions Cite this chapter

The Middle East has provided the world with no shortage of crises in the last century and this one so far. Both the current political stand-off between the US and Iran and the civil wars in yemen and Syria demonstrate the degree to which these events have a long history. From the late 18th century until the First World War and the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire in its aftermath, the region has been a battleground for competing Western powers. Since the discovery of oil in Iran, one of the key concerns for the great powers has been, and remains, oil and its strategic influence.

Iran’s territory and population are among the largest in the Persian Gulf. It has a huge economic potential and the capability of exercising great military power. Iran’s aspiration to be a regional power is partly a response to the perceived threat of imperial domination since 1979, especially by the US. The US, having expanded its military presence, with Donald Trump attempting to force Iran into subordination to Washington’s will, has been the main cause of anxiety for the government of the Islamic Republic, which sees this as a threat to its security, stability, regional status and even survival.

Before the 1979 Revolution, Iran was an important ally of the West, including the US after the Second World War. Since 1979, Iran has been seen by the West, especially the US, and its regional allies such as Saudi Arabia, as a destabilizing actor with a radical message. The character of Iran’s regional policies has caused anxiety and been a constant source of controversy among other states in the region, especially Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel.

Content Metrics

May 2022 onwards Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 312 255 4
Full Text Views 4 0 0
PDF Downloads 5 0 0

Altmetrics