Geopolitics of the Levant
The Geopolitics of the Levant project explores the regional alignments, state capacity challenges, and dynamics of conflict shaping the Levant. This region exhibits distinct political and security dynamics that warrant focused analytical attention separate from broader Middle East analyses. By specifically analyzing the Levant, the project provides U.S. policymakers with comprehensive analysis and targeted policy recommendations that address the subregion's unique social, security, and political realities. This focused approach enables more precise understanding of how local developments intersect with regional and great power competition, informing U.S. engagement strategies calibrated to Levantine conditions.
Regional Alignments and Competition
The Levant sits at the intersection of competing regional and international interests, with external actors including Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Gulf states all pursuing influence through local partners and proxies. The project examines how these alignments shape conflict dynamics, governance outcomes, and prospects for stability across the subregion. By mapping the relationships between external and local actors, the project clarifies where U.S. interests align or conflict with those of other powers and identifies opportunities for constructive engagement.
State Capacity and Conflict Dynamics
Levantine states face acute challenges to institutional capacity, territorial control, and political legitimacy. From Syria’s post-Assad transition to Lebanon’s governance crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, state weakness and contested authority define much of the subregion’s political landscape. The project analyzes how these capacity challenges shape security conditions, humanitarian needs, and prospects for political resolution. This analysis equips policymakers with the contextual depth necessary to design interventions that address root causes of instability.
