The Middle East has long been a strategic focus for both American and British foreign policies, primarily due to its vast reserves of oil and its geographic position. Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, the two nations have employed a mix of direct military interventions, covert operations, and economic pressure to maintain influence in the region. Davidson’s Shadow Wars reveals how these powers have continuously sought to secure their interests, often at the expense of stability and self-determination for the people of the Middle East.
British Foreign Policy: The Foundations of Control
The British Empire’s interest in the Middle East began in earnest after World War I, with the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent division of territories under the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Seeking to establish control over oil-rich regions and crucial maritime routes, Britain installed compliant monarchies in countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt. This allowed them to maintain a tight grip on resources while suppressing any nationalist movements that might threaten their hold.
Davidson notes that, throughout the decades, Britain’s tactics evolved from colonial rule to more discreet methods of influence. By the time of the 1950s and 1960s, direct governance was replaced by a network of alliances with local rulers. The goal remained the same: secure access to oil while keeping any anti-Western sentiments in check.
“British foreign policy was less about promoting democracy and more about ensuring that power remained in the hands of leaders who were willing to protect British interests.”
American Foreign Policy: From Cold War to the War on Terror
While British influence waned after World War II, the United States quickly filled the vacuum, framing its actions in the Middle East as necessary for containing the spread of communism. During the Cold War, America supported a variety of authoritarian regimes, including Iran under the Shah and Saudi Arabia’s monarchy, as a bulwark against Soviet influence. Covert operations, such as the CIA-led overthrow of Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953, demonstrate the extent to which the U.S. was willing to intervene to secure favorable regimes.
Following the Cold War, the narrative shifted from anti-communism to combating terrorism. The attacks of September 11, 2001, provided a new justification for intervention, leading to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Yet, Davidson highlights how this approach has often backfired, creating power vacuums that gave rise to extremist groups like ISIS. The results have been destabilization and prolonged conflict, with American policies sometimes aligning with those of Britain, as seen in the interventions in Libya and Syria.
“American foreign policy has often relied on short-term alliances with repressive regimes, sowing the seeds for future instability in pursuit of immediate geopolitical gains.”
The Role of Proxy Wars and Economic Sanctions
Both Britain and the United States have utilized proxy wars and economic sanctions to exert influence without deploying large numbers of troops. For example, in Syria, the U.S. supported various opposition groups, while Britain, as Davidson describes, has often played a behind-the-scenes role by providing intelligence and logistical support. These proxy wars allow both nations to impact outcomes in the region without facing direct backlash at home. However, they frequently result in prolonged suffering and instability for the countries involved.
Economic sanctions have also been a favored tool, particularly by the United States, to cripple nations perceived as threats. Sanctions against Iran, Iraq, and Libya aimed to weaken these states economically, often justifying these measures on the grounds of human rights or anti-terrorism. Davidson’s analysis suggests that such sanctions rarely achieve their stated objectives and often harm civilian populations, while leaving the targeted regimes intact or even more resilient.
“Proxy wars and economic sanctions have become the preferred tools for American and British policymakers, shifting the burden of conflict away from the battlefield and onto the people of the Middle East.”
The Unseen Costs of Hegemonic Stability
In Shadow Wars, Davidson makes a compelling case that both American and British foreign policies have prioritized the maintenance of a status quo that serves their interests, often at great human cost. By propping up compliant regimes and undermining efforts toward self-determination, these policies have repeatedly stirred unrest and perpetuated cycles of violence. As the region continues to grapple with the fallout from these policies, the true costs of Western hegemony are becoming increasingly apparent, not only for the Middle East but for the world at large.
This expanded discussion on foreign policy provides a deeper understanding of how these powers have shaped the Middle East’s political landscape and underscores the complexities of their involvement over the years.
