In this wide-ranging EISMENA interview, Maxime Lechat speaks with renowned French political scientist Olivier Roy about the profound transformations reshaping the Middle East.
Olivier Roy examines the decline of traditional pan-Arab and pan-Islamist alliances, the growing nationalism of regional states, the Gulf countries’ continuing security dependence, and Türkiye’s expanding diplomatic and economic influence. He also discusses Israel’s regional strategy, the future of the Palestinian cause, the resilience of Iran’s political system, Tehran’s remaining influence through Hezbollah and the Houthis, and the evolving place of Kurdish movements across the region.
Is the Middle East witnessing the emergence of a new regional order—or entering a period of deeper and more lasting disorder?
00:00 A new regional order—or a new disorder?
03:33 Can the Gulf states guarantee their own security?
06:02 Is Türkiye benefiting from Iran’s weakening?
08:34 Türkiye–Israel rivalry and the future of Syria
11:00 Can Israel reshape the Middle East?
12:25 Israel and the prospect of permanent war
14:31 What future remains for the Palestinian cause?
16:57 Can Iran’s political system survive the war?
19:28 The future of Iran’s regional influence
21:50 Lebanon, Yemen and the possibility of a regional agreement
23:44 The Kurdish question: autonomy or national integration?
26:19 Is a new Middle East emerging?