In this episode, China vs the IMEC Corridor in the Middle East, Dr. Jean-Loup Samaan from the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore joins to discuss minilateral initiatives' impacts in the region. Explore the ongoing significance of the International Maritime Exercise (IMEC), Israel's post-Gaza war role, and complexities of regional dynamics. Unpack France's strategic trilateral partnership with the UAE and India to navigate tensions with China. Join us for a deep dive into these shifts, evaluating their implications on alliances and power balance in the Middle East on China-Mena.

Takeaways:

International Maritime Exercise Initiative (IMEC) and Geopolitical Context
France's Strategic Involvement in IMEC
Uncertainties Surrounding IMEC

Quotes

"The benefit of mini laterals is creating new discussion mechanisms among countries, crucial in regions like the Middle East lacking strong security frameworks."-Jean-Loup Samaan

“The introduction of new methods brings hope and progress in the absence of a strong security structure.."-Jean-Loup Samaan

Featured in the Episode

Dr. Jean-Loup Samaan
Linkedin: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/jean-loup-samaan-512a782
Website: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jean-loup-samaan/

Jonathan Fulton
Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Associate Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi
https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fulton-2627414b
https://twitter.com/jonathandfulton

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:23 - Exploring Middle East Mini Laterals
05:41 - Analyzing the US-led I2U2 Initiative
06:58 - Middle Eastern Caution Towards a New Quad
11:28 - Research Challenges in a Changing Middle East
15:04 - Jordan's Vital Role in Regional Stability
18:37 - Unpacking China's Regional Influence
23:35 - Shifting Foreign Policies Amid US-China Competition
26:31 - Innovations in Security via Mini Laterals
30:08 - Insights on Middle Eastern Politics and China's Responses
35:28 - UAE and India: Infrastructural Investments and Rebranding
38:27 - Issues with IMEC Format and Financing Concerns
40:24 - Uncertainties Surrounding Israel's Role
43:12 - Outro

China vs. IMEC: the Minilateral Movement in the Middle East