As the world’s economic and political centre of gravity moves increasingly towards East and South Asia, we can expect a number of countries in these regions to devote more attention to the Middle East. The relations between East and South Asia and the Middle East have significantly expanded as a result of the global rise of Asian economic powers, particularly China, India, Japan and South Korea. Not only oil but also trade, investment, infrastructure, and tourism is the name of the business with the MENA region. Beyond energy and economic interests, questions arise about the potential geopolitical dimension of these evolving ties. What are the strategic implications of the projection of Asian countries in an unstable, fragmented and volatile region? How do they interact with each other and with other international players? Last but not least, will the Covid-19 pandemic be a game changer in (re)shaping relations in the future?
Table of Contents
Introduction, Paolo Magri
1. China and BRI: From Business to Geopolitics?, Zhao Jianming
2. “Look West”: India’s Outreach to the Middle East under Modi, Kabir Taneja
3. Not Only Oil: Japan’s Soft Power and Engagement with the Middle East, Adel Abdel Ghafar
4. South Korea in the Middle East: Assets and Liabilities of a Middle Power, Jeongmin Seo
5. Asian Players: Risks and Chances from the Middle Eastern Perspectives
GCC Looking East Policy: New Challenges and Opportunities, Naser Al-Tamimi
The View from Egypt, Nael M. Shama
The View from Iran, Sara Bazoobandi
The View from Israel, Anshel Pfeffer
6. Between Competition and Cooperation: What Could the EU’s Role Be?, Valeria Talbot, Ugo Tramballi
