Collective Defence Approach Could Reshape US Role in Middle East

A proposed rethink of the American role in the Middle East calls for replacing military dominance with a security partnership built on shared responsibilities and stronger regional capabilities.

The argument centres on burden-sharing, with countries in the region taking a greater role in their own security. Under this approach, Washington would move away from acting as the dominant military power and towards supporting a more collective defence framework.

Strengthening regional capabilities is a central part of that shift. The proposal presents local capacity and American engagement as complementary, rather than treating a reduced reliance on US military power as a call for withdrawal.

It also argues that deterrence must be linked to diplomacy. Military strength would remain part of the security equation, but diplomatic efforts would help prevent confrontation from escalating.

The goal is to reshape American involvement without creating a security vacuum. The proposed partnership seeks to balance continued US engagement with greater regional responsibility, while making the prevention of escalation a shared priority.