A Decade of Change in Middle Eastern Geopolitics

This paper investigates the profound transformations that have shaped the Middle East from the Arab Spring in 2011 to the Israel-Hamas war, which started in 2023 and continued in 2024 in the War in Lebanon and the collapse of the Syrian Regime. The Arab uprisings exposed deep-seated grievances and initiated a realignment of regional power dynamics, leading to informal "liquid alliances" prioritizing short-term interests over long-term cooperation. This study employs a theoretical framework that combines realism, constructivism, and neo-Gramscian perspectives to analyze how these alliances emerged in response to shifting geopolitical realities, including the decline of U.S. engagement and ongoing civil conflicts. Despite initial hopes for democratization and regional solidarity, the aftermath of the Arab Spring has been characterized by fragmentation and the resurgence of authoritarianism as states grapple with legitimacy crises and internal vulnerabilities. The paper explores how traditional regional organizations have struggled to foster meaningful collaboration, ultimately sidelined by ad hoc coalitions driven by immediate security concerns. By examining the interplay between power, identity, and economic forces, this research contributes to the discourse on Middle Eastern geopolitics, revealing how the region's complex dynamics hinder practical cooperation. The analysis underscores that the persistent reliance on the ongoing volatility of the geopolitical landscape presents significant challenges to stability and peace in the Middle East. keywords: Middle East, Arab Spring, Israel-Hamas war, regional power dynamics, short-term interests, long-term cooperation