Tech Middle Powers and Regional Cooperation in the Middle East

Tech Middle Powers (TMPs) in the Middle East, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar, are shaping regional and global dynamics through strategic cooperation in space, energy, economy and digital technology, e.g., artificial intelligence. This chapter analyzes their cooperation through the lens of neoclassical realism, which aims to explain the emergence of various cooperation formats of the TMPs. Three case studies will be examined: the Arab Space Cooperation Group, (energy) partnerships between the Gulf states in the Gulf Cooperation Council and cooperation in technology and cybersecurity, for example the hosting of the Global AI Summit by Saudi Arabia. The case studies show that the TMPs do cooperate, including with European and Asian partners, but do so because of different priorities, strategic and leadership styles. Finally, the chapter demonstrates that TMPs in the Middle East can cooperate in various fields despite their political differences and contribute to regional stability.