Many strategy wonks and geopolitical pundits have got into the habit of predicting the gradual decline of the West and the rise of Asia in the 21st century. Still, in spite of the prevailing confusion in the global economic and geopolitical order, it is difficult to predict the future. All said and done, the US is still enjoying economic stability, which other economic powers could only aspire for. Europe and Japan have recently succumbed to a double dip recession and even the Chinese property markets is raising alarm bells over a possible, if not imminent, collapse.
After underscoring these facts, veteran geopolitical expert Dr Anthony H. Cordesman in his highly thought provoking essay titled ‘International Shifts and the Security Impact on the Middle East’ for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, has sought to clear other prevailing misconceptions.
In his article, Dr. Cordesman has warned against over-exaggerating the significance of US stated ‘Rebalance’ toward Asia (read Far East) and the tendency among some experts to thereby presume a reduction in US presence and involvement from the Middle East. He also contends that GCC countries have been playing up the threat of Iran, as an emerging regional power in spite of that country’s severely limited military prowess when compared to that of Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He is critical of GCC countries for being their “own worst enemies” as it is their internal feuds and wranglings which pose a greater challenge than the threat from Iran.
We elicit your response on some of these thought-provoking ideas put forward by Dr. Cordesman. To read his full article please click the link http://www.gcsp.ch/content/download/24010/246260/download