Conflicts in the Middle East: Understanding Geopolitical Complexities

Objectives

1. Identify and analyze the main issues surrounding the conflicts in the Middle East, such as religious, economic, commercial, and border-related.

2. Develop the ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues, promoting a deeper and contextualized understanding.

3. Stimulate critical thinking and students' argumentation skills.

4. Promote teamwork and collaboration among students during practical activities.

Contextualization

The conflicts in the Middle East have shaped global geopolitics for decades. This region, rich in natural resources such as oil, is a stage for religious, territorial, and economic disputes that directly affect the global economy and international policies. For example, the tensions between Israel and Palestine, territorial disputes in Syria, and interventions by powers like the US and Russia exemplify the complexity of these issues. Understanding these conflicts is crucial for comprehending the current global scenario and the interdependence between nations, especially in sectors such as energy and international trade.

Relevance of the Theme

Understanding the conflicts in the Middle East is extremely important in the current context, as it directly influences global economic stability, fuel prices, and international policies. Professionals working in areas such as International Relations, Foreign Trade, and Geopolitics need to be well-informed about these conflicts to make strategic decisions and negotiate trade and diplomatic agreements effectively.

Religious Issues

Conflicts in the Middle East often have deep-rooted origins in religious issues. The region is the cradle of major religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, and disputes between different religious groups, such as Sunnis and Shiites, are constant. Additionally, the religious tensions between Israelis and Palestinians are central to regional conflicts.

• Israel-Palestine Conflict: Territorial dispute with religious and historical roots.

• Tensions Between Sunnis and Shiites: Divisions within Islam that generate conflicts in countries such as Iraq and Syria.

• Holy Site of Jerusalem: Sacred city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, leading to disputes over control.

Economic and Commercial Disputes

The economy of the Middle East is heavily influenced by the production of oil and natural gas. The reserves of these resources are targets of both internal and external disputes. Additionally, control over trade routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, is of great strategic and economic importance.

• Oil Reserves: The Middle East holds about 48% of the world's reserves.

• Strait of Hormuz: Crucial passage for oil transport, often a target of tensions.

• Global Economic Impact: Any instability in the region can affect global energy prices.

Territorial and Border Conflicts

Borders in the Middle East have often been drawn by colonial powers without considering ethnic and tribal divisions, resulting in territorial conflicts. Disputes over strategic territories and natural resources continue to be a source of tension.

• Colonial Drawing of Borders: Borders established during the colonial period ignored ethnic and tribal divisions.

• Disputes Over Territory Control: Example of Kurdistan, where Kurds fight for recognition and autonomy.

• Resource Conflicts: Disputes over water and arable land are common in the region.

International Interventions

International powers have historically involved themselves in the conflicts of the Middle East, whether for economic, strategic, or political interests. Military and economic interventions by countries like the US and Russia have been decisive in the evolution of the conflicts.

• US Intervention: Military presence and support for allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia.

• Russia's Influence: Support for regimes such as Syria's to maintain influence in the region.

• Economic Interventions: Economic sanctions and trade agreements impacting the balance of power.

Practical Applications

• Monitoring Energy Prices: Energy companies monitor conflicts in the Middle East to forecast fluctuations in oil prices.
• Diplomatic Negotiations: International Relations professionals use knowledge of the conflicts to negotiate peace and trade agreements.
• Risk Analysis: Market analysts assess the impact of conflicts on global economic stability and investments.

Key Terms

• Geopolitics: Study of how geographical influences affect politics and international relations.

• Sunnis and Shiites: The two largest sects of Islam, often in conflict.

• Strait of Hormuz: Strategic passage for oil transport.

Questions

• How do the conflicts in the Middle East directly influence the global economy?

• In what ways can international interventions help or hinder the resolution of conflicts in the region?

• What is the importance of diplomacy in resolving religious and territorial conflicts in the Middle East?

Conclusion

To Reflect

The conflicts in the Middle East are a reflection of the geopolitical complexities involving religious, economic, and territorial issues. The region, rich in natural resources, is a strategic point that attracts the attention of global powers. Understanding these conflicts is essential to perceive how they shape the world economy, affect energy prices, and influence international policies. Through the study of conflicts, we develop critical analysis, argumentation, and negotiation skills, which are essential for any professional working in fields such as International Relations, Foreign Trade, and Geopolitics. Reflecting on these themes allows us to be better prepared to deal with the challenges of the job market and to promote diplomatic and peaceful solutions to global conflicts.

Mini Challenge - Impact Analysis of Conflicts in the Middle East

This mini-challenge aims to consolidate students' understanding of the economic and political impacts of conflicts in the Middle East.

• Divide into groups of 3 to 4 students.
• Research a specific conflict in the Middle East (e.g., the Civil War in Syria, the dispute between Israel and Palestine, etc.).
• Identify the main religious, economic, and territorial factors involved in the conflict.
• Analyze how this conflict impacts the global economy, especially energy prices.
• Present your conclusions in a 5-minute presentation to the class, highlighting the diplomatic solutions proposed by the groups.