This Policy Outlook explores the contours of American engagement in the region in light of this shift with a focus on the implications of Joe Biden’s visit for the American strategic outlook in the Middle East.
On July 16, US President Joe Biden’s wrapped up his highly anticipated trip to the Middle East that included stops in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Saudi Arabia where he attended a summit meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council along with Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. Much of the coverage of the trip was focused on interpreting Biden’s ‘fist bump’ with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, overlooking the more concrete developments to emerge out of the various meetings. Beyond that, the nature of the meetings pointed to a shift in US relations with its traditional regional partners, which is not wholly captured by the ‘pivot to Asia’ or end of ‘Pax Americana’ narratives. US domestic political dynamics will continue to complicate these endeavours; however, in an era of renewed great power competition, momentum towards maintaining an interest-based approach devoid of the ideologically-driven policies of the post-9/11 era will continue. This Policy Outlook explores the contours of American engagement in the region in light of this shift with a focus on the implications of Joe Biden’s visit for the American strategic outlook in the Middle East.
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