Pan-Arab, political cooperation is limited and transient. The Arab League that stands for pan-Arab solidarity is ineffective. Subregional bodies suffer from recurrent infighting. Arab interstate relations are marked by rapid shifts in political alignments that occur in response to domestic changes, progress in the peace process, and influence of non-Arab powers. Shifting alignments reflect the atomization of Arab politics. Each party places its domestic interests before pan-Arab concerns. Amidst the numerous interstate disputes are few cases of close, bilateral cooperation. Most disputes are not explosive, yet few may escalate into violent conflict.
