Angélica Ocampo speaks with Professor Ross Harrison on the current state of US Foreign Policy towards the Middle East. In this episode they discuss the history of the Cold War and its effects on the region, the global ramifications of crises in the Middle East, and Russian influence in regional conflicts. Professor Harrison walks us through the lack of regional power structure and the role that outside influencers play, such as the United States’ interests in the area. He provides an update for the changing American strategies in the Middle East, and offers his own opinion on political policies.  He reminds us that there are no inter-state conflicts currently, yet many of the lingering disputes center around themes such as water, regional dominance, or land boundaries. Professor Harrison also provides additional insights from his own experience participating in back-channel diplomacy in Yemen and Syria, and shares his recommendation on future political strategies in the Middle East.

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