Rising Asian transactionalist players in the Middle East: deciphering the roles of China and India in the Persian Gulf

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of China and India’s involvement in the Middle East, and what it means for the region’s geopolitical landscape. Using transactionalist behavior theory, it argues that the rising Asian powers follow different trajectories in the Middle East than the conventional, established powers led by the United States. Instead of following well-designed scripts, these new players’ role making and role performance in the region serve immediate, non-systematic goals, with a focus on short-term benefits. Our case studies of the two Asian powerhouses’ interactions with GCC countries and Iran show that China is now in a better position as compared to India due to the mass resources it possesses. So far, neither Beijing nor New Delhi is interested in playing catch-up with each other or with US. Yet, the regional actors’ increasing reception of ad-hoc, mutual transactions with their new Asian benefactors regardless of common values and long-term commitment diversifies the region’s landscape, ensuring that China and India will always find a role to play.