Key Drivers of Islamism and Nationalism in the Middle East

Major Factors

• Decline of the Ottoman Empire: Its collapse after WWI created a power vacuum, enabling new political movements.
• Discovery of Oil: Early 20th-century oil wealth attracted foreign interference, fueling resentment.
• Arab–Israeli Conflict: Decades of war and displacement fueled Islamist narratives framing the struggle as Islam vs. the West.
• Iranian Revolution (1979): Established an Islamic republic, inspiring Islamist movements across the region.

Impact

These movements have challenged traditional power structures, increased instability, and complicated Western engagement. However, many Muslims in the region support democracy and pluralism, rejecting theocratic rule.