States in Regions of Enduring Rivalry

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Why is it important?

This chapter examines two regions of enduring rivalry: the Middle East and South Asia. It evaluates the security policies of leading second-rank states in these two troubled regions, as well as the defense postures of these broader regions, to determine what effect globalization has had on their national security states. Regions of enduring rivalry are the least hospitable to the globalization and security propositions. The existential threats faced by states in these regions make them reluctant to alter their security frameworks radically. They are especially unwilling to relinquish any control over national security to international institutions, NGOs, or private security actors. To the extent that they identify additional security threats in the new era, they still prioritize the traditional threat of interstate warfare, and continue to address these threats with traditional methods, including hard-balancing, manpower-based armies, and possible resort to offensive strategies.