In light of the ongoing transformations in the Middle East region, it appears that the ideologies on which armed militias have relied have begun to lose momentum in the face of the rise of technology, especially artificial intelligence, which supports the concept of the state and reshapes international partnerships.
This transformation is not just an adjustment in the balance of power within the region, but rather a reflection of deeper changes in the foundations on which the old alliances were built, especially the strategic partnership between the Gulf states and the United States of America. Ideologies spread by armed militias, whether religious or nationalist, have been a major factor in destabilizing many Arab countries. These militias relied on exploiting political and security vacuums, creating a spiral of violence and chaos in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
However, this model is beginning to collapse with the emergence of technology, which not only enhances the concept and stability of the state, but opens new horizons for enhanced governance and innovation. Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is today used to enhance the internal and external security of countries, by providing advanced tools for border control, intelligence gathering, and threat prediction.
Thanks to these tools, it is possible for states to restore their sovereignty and secure their societies more effectively. The shift from armed ideologies to technology will in turn affect security and military partnerships. The Quincy Agreement, signed in 1945 between King Abdulaziz Al Saud and US President Franklin Roosevelt, was an important foundation in security relations between the United States and the Gulf states.
This agreement relied on the importance of oil as the main axis of these relations, as the United States committed to ensuring the flow of reliable oil supplies. However, this agreement witnessed major changes, especially after the decline in the importance of imported oil to the American economy and the development of self-sufficiency in energy. Today, technology, not Oil is the new pillar of relations between the United States and the Gulf states, especially in the security and military fields. The visit made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, to Washington last September stands as evidence of this transformation.
The partnership between the Emirati “G42” and the American “Microsoft” represents a new model for relations between the United States and the Gulf countries, as technology has become the pivotal element driving these partnerships. The world is witnessing a gradual shift from reliance on armed ideologies to technology, which has become the driving force for strengthening the concept of the state, which the Gulf states have long emphasized, to support stability in the region. This shift is reshaping international partnerships, especially between the Gulf states and the United States, as technology, rather than oil, has become the new basis for cooperation in the military and security fields.
Artificial intelligence and technology provide the tools to address security challenges and redefine alliances in line with modern-day requirements.
*A Saudi researcher in political media
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