Pillar IV: Building a Regional Security Architecture

This pillar will assess pathways toward an inclusive Middle East security architecture by exploring both new and existing frameworks.

A foundational pillar, this initiative will explore approaches to building a regional security architecture for the Middle East, the most conflict-prone region in the world and yet the only region lacking an inclusive, multilateral forum for dialogue and cooperation on security issues. While a comprehensive regional security architecture ultimately will be essential to sustain diplomatic, development, and economic progress, the initiative initially will examine ways to strengthen/expand existing structures. It will assess the heightened risks of conflict among regional powers as some seek to shape the contours of the emerging order militarily. 

Specifically, this initiative will take stock of existing agreements such as the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) in Bahrain and “mini-lateral” groupings such as GCC+ formats, the Baghdad conference format and the Red Sea Council as potential models. It will also explore the GCC’s “New Vision” for regional security cooperation as well as other regional security architecture models such as ASEAN. The Middle East Program will address “seam” issues including Gulf power projection and competition in the Red Sea/Horn of Africa.

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

Contact Information

Featured Analysis

Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

How Does Saudi Arabia See the War with Iran?

Saudi Arabia finds itself in an unprecedented war with Iran. Not surprisingly, Saudi views of this war are complicated.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — March 18, 2026

Featured Events

Photo: CSIS

Photo: CSIS

Would Regime Change Solve the Iran Challenge? | State of Play

March 4, 2026 • 3:00 – 3:30 pm EST

The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a live episode of State of Play on the lessons from regime change operations in the Middle East and beyond.

Hosted by Geopolitics and Foreign Policy

Featured Project

All Pillar IV: Building a Regional Security Architecture Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 36 results

Visualizing Iran’s Escalation Strategy

Iran is abandoning calibrated retaliation for rapid escalation—expanding the war across the region and raising stakes globally. The Middle East Program breaks down Tehran’s strategy with two new charts mapping horizontal and vertical escalation.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — March 27, 2026