THE NEW MILITARY-POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND ITS IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed intricate and conflicting geopolitical transformations across the Middle East. The region’s military and political landscape, influenced by both internal and external factors, has assumed a pivotal role in global politics, shaping future geopolitical trends. Geopolitical competition among major international actors for control over key global transport hubs, such as those along the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf, stands out as a defining element of the region’s military and political dynamics. In the 19th century, European countries' geopolitical interests in the Middle East played a catalytic role in the emergence of the Arab peoples' national liberation movement, known as “an-nahda al-arabiyya.” However, as the 20th century drew to a close and the 21st century began, a complex interplay of internal and external factors led to the radicalization of Islam within the region. This shift brought issues of international terrorism and extremism to the forefront of global concerns. Moreover, the geographical proximity of Central Asia to the Middle East, coupled with their increasing interconnection, elevates the importance of analyzing the military, political, socio-economic, religious, and confessional dynamics in the Middle East. This article aims to conduct a scientific and expert review, analyzing political changes in the Middle East and the features of radical ideologies. It also examines their impact on the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In summary, the Middle East’s evolving geopolitical landscape, influenced by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, has become central to global politics. This article contributes to understanding these critical issues and their implications for the national security of Kazakhstan