The Middle East has the potential to transition from Western dependence to achieving strategic autonomy, especially as Western powers appear to be losing strength, Nikolai Surkov, a senior researcher at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies of IMEMO RAS, said during a session at the XIII Middle East Conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
"Contrary to the 20th century, we are now observing signs of emerging strategic autonomy. Instead of long-term dependence and external control, we are seeing a shift towards self-determination. The challenge lies in whether Arab nations will seize this opportunity," - Surkov asserted. - "There is a window of opportunity as Western powers are faltering, while new centers of military, economic, and technological might are rising."
The analyst emphasized that the Middle East is experiencing the rise of "regional power centers that could potentially unify the region and bring about greater stability." If successful, this could lead to increased strategic autonomy, enabling the region to break free from external dependencies and address the challenges inherited from colonial pasts.
Surkov also acknowledged that once the Middle Eastern countries achieve strategic autonomy, they may no longer seek to align themselves with any particular bloc or seek retribution against former colonial powers. Instead, the Arab world might focus on building a new global power center that operates in its own interests, avoiding confrontation and fostering cooperation with other nations that offer mutual benefits.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS