THE IMPACT OF U.S. POLICY ON THE GEOPOLITICAL STRUCTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Abstract

Abstract. The article studies the impact of U. S. policy on the geopolitical structure of the
Middle East. Analysis covers key trends of regional development and an impact of the U.S. policy
on the configuration of powers in the Middle East, especially in the context of globalization.
The major factors of American interests in the Middle East region are sources of energy, significance
of geostrategic transit hub, and the U.S. national security concerns, including allied relations
with some countries in the region.
Special attention is paid to a number of definitions directly relating to the region. In this context,
we emphasize main ideas of enlargement of geopolitical spaces, such as the aspiration to
transform the geopolitical image of the Middle East to the «Great Middle East».
Obviously, a decrease of the U. S. influence in the region (related to a «strategic turning
point» of the U.S. foreign policy towards Asia – «pivot to Asia») means that leadership ambitions
of regional powers (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey) will gradually increase.
As a whole, the reconfiguration of relations and increase of instability lead to greater polarization
and destabilization of the Middle East region. However, such regional processes show
outlines of a new system of international relations.
Therefore, such issues as Syrian crisis, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran's nuclear program
and American ability of balancing allies (namely, those allied commitments where U.S. may
face dilemma) will demonstrate how efficient the USA will pursue regional policy and how their
activity (inactivity) will effect regional balance of powers.
Key words: USA, Middle East, geopolitics, Broader Middle East, Israel, Iran, Syria, Saudi
Arabia.