# Great Powers Contest the Middle East

Outside powers keep locking in influence in Middle Eastern states through bilateral economic and security deals, a recurring feature of an emerging multipolar order.

- Conviction: 40 / 100 (forming)
- Horizon: Emerging (watchlist)
- Tracking since: 2026-07-19T00:00:00.000Z
- Last updated: 2026-07-19T14:00:02.089Z
- Canonical: https://polylog.news/trends/great-power-mideast-competition
- Publisher: Polylog
- Affected regions: Middle East

## Recent score history

- 2026-07-19: 40
- 2026-07-20: 38

## Recent evidence

- [confirms] Iraq and the United States Sign 48 Agreements During Prime Minister's Visit (2026-07-19): Iraq and the United States signed 48 agreements during the new Iraqi prime minister's visit—a leader who took office after the US president vetoed another candidate—locking in bilateral economic and security ties in the region.