The Middle East’s profile in world affairs rose significantly during World War II. Named for its central location in global commerce and historical imperial connections, it became a key battleground for access to the Suez Canal, for supply lines to the Soviet Union—and of course, for oil. Control of the Mediterranean Sea required control of the Middle East and North Africa.

Brian Steed, a military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a Middle East foreign area officer, discusses the perception of the region as a vital element in America’s national security—a view that persists to this day. His presentation is the first in a series of four in 2019 focusing on the Middle East.

For presentation slides, click here.