Eugenii Ustinov

Alongside with socio-political and economic causes of the crisis that led to drastic structural changes in the political landscape of the Middle East, the role of the ethno-religious factor is steadily increasing. The paper analyzes the process of integration of ethnic and religious groups in the region. It is noted that this process is going on slower and less effectively than expected. Stimulating and provoking of inter-clan, inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts, and fragmentation of the region on this basis becomes an effective way of redistribution of the spheres of influence between the major global players. It gives them an additional chance to ensure free access to regional energy resources and, ultimately, to their global supremacy.