The balancer model in international relations. (c2009)

Abstract

Since the end of the Cold War, the Middle East subsystem has been in flux marked by rivalry between states thriving for increasing their regional power and control. The Middle Eastern power structure can be understood in terms of a balance of power politics. Balance of Power theory posits a direct relationship between the structures of the Middle East regional system and the behavior of states within the system. Based on this framework, the thesis attributes to contemporary regional instability what it considers a power vacuum left by the collapse of the Iraqi Baathist rule and the profoundly weakened post-Cold War Arab regimes. It examines the emerging rivalry, and consequent regional instability, between two regional antagonists, namely the Islamic Republic of Iran, on one side, and the United States and its regional ally, Israel, on the other side, each aiming to fill the existing power vacuum. This thesis highlights Turkey's resurgence in the Middle East and describes the various components of its foreign and domestic interests within the escalating power struggle. It attributes to the Turkish Mideast role the characteristics of a "power balancer" founded on domestic and regional state interests. Accordingly, this thesis makes the general claim that the growing balancer role of Turkey is one of the most critical aspects of regional stability.