In 1916, the Sykes-Picot Agreement between France and England divided Middle Eastern countries by imposing a series of new borders that divided ethnic groupings that had existed, which led to a higher incidence of civil wars and instability. Critique the Sykes-Picot Agreement by selecting the type of factor that most contributed to international instability.

Question

A) economic factors
B) diplomatic factors
C) informational factors
D) military factors

Answer 1

The Sykes-Picot Agreement is best critiqued through the lens of B) diplomatic factors.

The agreement was a result of secret negotiations between France and England during World War I, which aimed to delineate spheres of influence and control in the Middle East. This decision was made without taking into consideration the existing ethnic, tribal, and religious communities in the region. The arbitrary borders imposed by the agreement disrupted traditional groupings and historical ties, which significantly contributed to long-term international instability.

The diplomatic approach to carving up the region disregarded the complex social fabric of the Middle East, leading to tensions and conflicts that have persisted for decades. The lack of local input or consideration of local governance structures created a legacy of resentment and instability that is present in many of the countries affected by these borders today. Thus, the diplomatic factors underpinning the agreement had the most significant impact on fostering ongoing conflicts and instability in the region.