Thomas L. Friedman discusses the recent conflict involving Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran within the framework of a new global struggle post-Cold War. He delineates the tension between a coalition striving for inclusion and collaboration led by the U.S. and a coalition of authoritarian resistance represented by Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The implications of these conflicts, particularly Israel’s relations with Saudi Arabia and Ukraine’s ties with Europe, are examined for their potential to reshape international dynamics and isolate opposing regimes.
To comprehend the significant implications of Israel’s recent decisive actions against Hezbollah in the broader geopolitical context, one must recognize the contemporary international relations landscape, which has evolved beyond the Cold War paradigm. Following the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, it becomes evident that we have entered a phase I term the post-post-Cold War period. In this era, we observe a dichotomy between what I refer to as an “ad hoc coalition of inclusion” — comprising countries that seek progress through collaboration and economic integration under the auspices of a U.S.-led initiative, and a “coalition of resistance” represented by authoritarian regimes such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This latter group employs their opposition to the West as a means to consolidate power and justify militaristic policies. Meanwhile, China occupies a unique position, navigating the complexities of both alliances; its economic dependency on the coalition of inclusion contrasts with its authoritarian governance style, which aligns more closely with the resistance bloc. The current conflicts within Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon must be interpreted through this global lens of opposition. Ukraine’s aspirations to integrate into the European Union signify its desire for inclusion, distant from Russia’s domination, while Israel and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to normalize relations signify an attempt to consolidate the inclusive coalition in the Middle East. The challenges posed by Russia in Ukraine and by Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah in the Middle East serve as countermeasures to this integration. A successful Ukrainian integration would effectively solidify the vision of a “whole and free” Europe, leaving Russia’s administration vulnerable to isolation. Simultaneously, if Israel’s relations with Saudi Arabia were normalized, the implications would extend beyond regional dynamics, isolating Iran and undermining its influence across multiple fronts, including the actions of Hezbollah, the Houthis, and pro-Iranian factions in Iraq that contribute to their states’ instability.
The article examines the ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran by framing them within a new global order that has emerged post-Cold War. The author positions the current geopolitical climate as a struggle between two coalitions: one that seeks inclusion and collaboration, championed by the United States, and another that embodies authoritarian resistance, led by regimes such as Russia and Iran. This understanding helps to contextualize the significance of recent military actions and their potential impacts on global political alignments.
In summary, the article emphasizes that the conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah is not merely a regional issue but serves as a critical point in a broader global struggle between inclusion and resistance. The outcomes of these conflicts could significantly affect international relations, regional stability, and the balance of power. The author argues that Israel’s ability to forge alliances within a coalition of inclusion will dramatically alter the geopolitical landscape, isolating adversarial forces like Iran and reshaping the existing power dynamics.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
