Three lessons the Middle East should learn from Europe

A deeper understanding of history is essential in order to gain wisdom, broaden our knowledge, and learn from the successes and failures of those who came before us. For policymakers and strategists in the Middle East, the history of post-World War II Europe holds particular relevance. Why? Because of the striking similarities between the Middle East today and Europe in the immediate aftermath of WWII.

Europe emerged from World War II as a devastated continent, scarred by widespread bloodshed, destruction, and deep-rooted animosities — arguably even more severe than those facing the Middle East today. Yet, that moment in history became a defining turning point, remembered positively in the collective memory of humanity. Why? Because it marked the beginning of a new Europe, one founded on economic cooperation and regional integration and development. This framework has made it nearly unthinkable for the continent to return to its former eras of large-scale war and violence.

This transformation was no accident. It was the result of a conscious shift in mindset, as Europeans internalised three key lessons — lessons that the Middle East would do well to consider.

First, war, conflicts, and hatred can be replaced by trade, development, and cultural revival — provided there is a collective will to pursue that path.

Second, meaningful progress begins when societies reject zero-sum ideologies — when one group’s gain is no longer perceived as another’s loss.

Third, the more nations become interdependent — economically, socially, and politically — the lower the risk of reverting to cycles of violence and instability.

For us in the Middle East, these lessons offer a path forward. They challenge us to imagine a region where cooperation replaces conflict, and shared prosperity replaces mutual suspicion. But this transformation requires more than just hope — it demands bold leadership, a long-term vision, and a willingness to break with decades of mistrust.

Imagine the possibilities if the region shifted its priorities from military dominance to economic integration. Consider, for example, how energy cooperation could be a game-changer. The Gulf states possess immense oil and gas resources; Israel has made significant advances in water desalination, energy technology, and solar innovation; Turkey offers strategic transit corridors and a growing industrial base; and Iran — despite its isolation — has one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. If these countries set aside rivalry and began developing an interconnected energy infrastructure, the region would not only achieve energy self-sufficiency but also emerge as a global energy hub.

Such collaboration could reduce unemployment, stabilise economies, and empower younger generations with opportunities that don’t rely on emigration or extremism. It would create mutual interests — pipelines, joint ventures, research hubs, cross-border grids — that no side would want to see destroyed. In short, peace would no longer be a lofty dream; it would be a shared investment.

This is not naïve idealism. Europe did it. Even after centuries of devastating wars, including two world wars, countries like Germany and France chose to build a future grounded in economic and political interdependence. Institutions such as the European Union, didn’t eliminate differences, but they made war both irrational and economically self-defeating.

The Middle East can do the same. The question is not whether regional cooperation is possible — but whether we have the vision and courage to make it a reality.

In this vision of a more cooperative Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is well positioned to play a pivotal role. Over the past two decades, the UAE has emerged as a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity. Through its active diplomacy, economic diversification, and strategic investments in technology, renewable energy, and education, the UAE has become a natural catalyst for regional transformation. While significant challenges remain, the country has demonstrated that pragmatic diplomacy and economic openness can unlock new avenues of regional cooperation. If more countries adopt a similar mindset — prioritising long-term stability over short-term rivalry — the Middle East can finally shift its narrative from one of conflict to one of shared progress.

Khamis Al Ali is a researcher specialising in Israeli affairs at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research