There are many examples to be found throughout the history of international relations of occasions when regional or global changes prompted states to adjust their foreign policies by placing the national interest ahead of ideology.

When the Cold War ended, so too did the bipolar nature of world politics. Countries with regional leadership aspirations subsequently emerged in the Middle East and the Arab uprisings that started in late 2010 became a game-changer in the regional struggle for hegemony.

February is shaping up to be a month in which we can expect to see some important regional and international developments.