ABSTRACT

The Middle East at war? The combined ethnic, regional, inter-regional and geopolitical tensions now apparent in the Middle East make the region a potential fl ashpoint in a multipolar world. External powers are playing classic nineteenth-century power games, albeit using twenty-fi rst-century technology and in some cases new operational concepts. Russia is developing and applying hybrid warfare whilst ISIS combines elements of terrorism, hybrid warfare, classical warfare and normal state activities, all supported by advanced technical means. (Some of its founding senior members were former security force offi cers with training in military operations and intelligence.) All this aggravates the internal problems of Syria/Iraq and prevents any one actor imposing effective rule. The result is anarchy.