The “relationship of mutual influence between regional and global security” was the strategic theme of the 20th Manama Dialogue on Security, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) from December 6–8, 2024. The event witnessed significant participation, including 63 government delegations and a large number of direct attendees. Despite the diversity of session topics—such as political and military responses to conflicts, international approaches to Middle East security, interactions between global and Middle East security, defense challenges in a complex world, and regional security initiatives—the discussions aimed to address three core questions: the nature of emerging security challenges, the adequacy of existing mechanisms for resolving conflicts and addressing threats, and pathways for action on national, regional, and global levels.

The article emphasizes the interconnectedness of regional and global security, making it difficult to separate the two. A detailed analysis of the speeches at the dialogue highlights several critical security threats. One significant challenge is the unresolved Palestinian issue, with participants agreeing that the failure to implement a two-state solution remains a major driver of regional instability. While initiatives like the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s 2024 announcement of a global alliance for a two-state solution are notable, the lack of political will—among both the conflicting parties and influential international powers—remains the key obstacle.

Another pressing issue is the rising role of non-state actors, which threaten regional security by rejecting the concept of a unified nation-state. These groups misuse modern technology to target vital infrastructure, maritime navigation routes, and undersea cables, 18% of which are located in the Middle East, creating challenges with global implications. Nuclear threats further deepen the imbalance in regional power dynamics, perpetuating a state of constant tension, particularly with potential confrontations involving nuclear-armed states.

Concerns over the credibility of international organizations and international law were also prominent, with participants describing these institutions as increasingly ineffective in achieving their mandates. Double standards in their operations have further undermined trust and complicated international relations. The evolving nature of global alliances, influenced by conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis and disputes in the South China Sea, reflects growing polarization in the international system. While these developments are unlikely to lead to a new Cold War, they underscore the emergence of new alignments that reshape global power structures.

The dialogue revealed that traditional mechanisms for addressing these challenges are increasingly insufficient. The growing list of threats, fueled by technological advancements and the diminishing role of regional organizations, underscores the need for more innovative and collaborative solutions. Military approaches, while effective in achieving short-term objectives, fall short of delivering long-term stability, which requires comprehensive political and economic strategies focused on rebuilding nation-states to counter the influence of non-state actors. Efforts to protect maritime navigation have also proven inadequate, leaving critical global trade routes vulnerable to persistent threats.

The discussions at the Manama Dialogue reinforced the interconnected nature of regional and global security, emphasizing the importance of collective, multi-dimensional efforts to address these shared challenges effectively.

The full press release is available in Arabic