Structural conflict in the Middle East persists due to geopolitical interests and militarized foreign policies
Original framing: “Former US defence chief says more war won’t bring peace to Middle East” — Al Jazeera
The roots of modern Middle Eastern conflict can be traced back to the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers. These decisions created artificial states that lacked cohesive national identities, contributing to long-term instability.
The persistent conflict in the Middle East is not a result of a lack of military action, but rather the systemic consequences of colonial legacies, geopolitical competition, and the marginalization of local voices.
Indigenous and cross-cultural peacebuilding methods offer viable alternatives to militarized approaches, while scientific evidence supports the need for inclusive diplomacy and economic development. To move toward sustainable peace, global powers must reform their foreign policies to support regional cooperation and empower local actors. Historical parallels from other regions demonstrate that lasting peace is possible when power structures are reformed to include diverse perspectives and prioritize long-term stability over short-term strategic gains.