Middle East Conflicts with a Comprehensive Approach Toward Stability and Sustainable Cooperation

Abstract

In this paper, two major ethnic conflicts in the Middle East region are considered, namely, the Kurdish issue in Iraq and Syria, as well as recent conflicts in Syria. Three main theoretical perspectives on identity divides and conflicts are discussed in the context of the Middle East region. The considered conflicts are then analyzed separately, giving a brief overview of the main sources of conflicts in the ethnic context, including the influence of international factors and the current situation on the global scene. A comprehensive strategy for regional socio-economic integration is proposed with possible directions for establishing sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East region. The aim is to interconnect the particular directions toward a unified regional integration approach for solving the problems which cause significant instability in this region. The solution needs to be obtained by combining an appropriate external factor influence and mediation fostering regional cooperation with the forms of institutional engineering. Based on the theoretical and extensive empirical analysis, the European Union is chosen as an external factor having a great capacity and multiple interests in providing stability which will lead to the collaboration with this region.