With theoretically-rich contributions from an international group of political scientists, historians, and economists, this volume addresses the puzzle of why the Middle East has produced no single dominant and acknowledged regional power, despite contenders such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, and Turkey. Rich, theoretically-engaged case study chapters address a gap in the vibrant international academic discussion on the role of (new) regional powers in global politics. Fürtig offers powerful insights into both the unique nature of the Middle East region, with its dispersed power structures and competing centers, and probable new power constellations.

1. Introduction: The Concept of Regional Power as Applied to the Middle East; Martin Beck PART I: IRAN AND ITS 'REVOLUTIONARY MISSION' 2. Iran: Winner or Looser of the 'Arab Spring'?; Henner Furtig 3. What determines Iranian Power?; Arshin Adib-Moghaddam PART II: EGYPT: PAST AND FUTURE GLORY? 4. Post-Mubarak Egypt: Visions and Prospects for a new Regional Leadership Role; Annette Ranko and Elizabeth Monier 5. Egypt: The 'Regional reference' in the Middle East; Mustafa El Labbad PART III: TURKEY AND THE OTTOMAN PAST 6. Before the Arab Revolt and After: Turkey's Transformed Regional Power Status in the Middle East; Andre Bank and Roy Karadag 7. Turkey's 'Return' to the Middle East; Meliha Benli Altun???k PART IV: ISRAEL - HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES 8. Israel - an underestimated player in the new 'Middle East Game'; Robert Kappel 9. Israel as a Regional Power: Prospects and Problems; Mark A. Heller PART V: SAUDI ARABIA - MORE THAN PETRODOLLARS 10. Saudi Arabia: a conservative P(l)ayer on the Retreat?; Thomas Richter 11. Saudi Arabia and the Arab Spring: Opportunities and Challenges of Security; Saud Al Tamamy 12. Conclusion: Prospects for New Regional Powers in the Middle East (Henner Furtig)