How did the Arab-Israeli conflict impact the rise and rule of authoritarian states in the Middle East?

The Arab-Israeli conflict significantly contributed to the rise and rule of authoritarian states in the Middle East by fostering instability and enabling power consolidation.

The Arab-Israeli conflict, which began in the mid-20th century, has had a profound impact on the political landscape of the Middle East. The conflict has been a source of instability and tension in the region, creating an environment conducive to the rise of authoritarian regimes. These regimes have often used the conflict as a means to consolidate power, suppress opposition, and maintain control over their populations.

The conflict has often been used by authoritarian leaders as a tool to divert attention from domestic issues and consolidate power. For instance, the conflict has been instrumental in the rise and rule of authoritarian regimes in countries such as Syria and Iraq. In Syria, the Ba'ath Party, led by Hafez al-Assad and later his son Bashar al-Assad, used the conflict with Israel to justify their authoritarian rule, suppress opposition, and maintain control over the military and security forces. Similarly, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used the conflict to consolidate his power and suppress opposition.

Moreover, the conflict has also led to the militarisation of societies in the Middle East, which has further facilitated the rise and rule of authoritarian regimes. The constant state of war and conflict has led to the strengthening of military institutions, often at the expense of civil institutions. This has resulted in a 'security state' where the military plays a dominant role in politics, often leading to authoritarian rule.

The Arab-Israeli conflict has also impacted the foreign relations of Middle Eastern states, often leading to external interventions that have supported authoritarian regimes. During the Cold War, for instance, both the United States and the Soviet Union supported authoritarian regimes in the region as part of their broader geopolitical strategies. This external support often helped these regimes maintain power and suppress opposition.

In conclusion, the Arab-Israeli conflict has significantly contributed to the rise and rule of authoritarian states in the Middle East. The conflict has created an environment of instability and tension, which has been exploited by authoritarian leaders to consolidate power and suppress opposition. The militarisation of societies and external interventions have further facilitated the rise and rule of these regimes.