E. I. USTINOV Candidate of Historical Sciences Middle East, ethno-confessional factor Keywords: mechanisms of containment and provocation of ethno-confessional contradictions When considering the reasons for the weakening and collapse of a number of authoritarian Middle Eastern states in the second decade of the 21st century, the role of mechanisms to contain interethnic and interfaith conflicts in these processes is of great interest. Why were they insufficient to ensure the sustainability of Middle Eastern societies? What is the role of external forces in disrupting the fragile ethno-religious balance in Arab countries? The role of the ethno-confessional factor is growing among the socio - political and economic reasons that have led to drastic structural changes in the political landscape in the Middle East, namely: the increase in political instability, the change of individual leaders and ruling regimes, the destruction of statehood, and the tendency to redistribute resources in the region. The probability of religious and ethnic disintegration of Iraq, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan, etc. increases. ARAB EAST-A TESTING GROUND? In recent decades, Arab States in the Middle East, authoritarian in nature and based on the leadership of certain ethno-confessional groups, have failed to develop a universal model of identity that is acceptable to their citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation. In seemingly integrated societies, the influence of tribal, communal, clan, and confessional structures on all spheres of life has not only been preserved, but also significantly increased. Global processes of urbanization, expansion of communication opportunities and information flow, and development of world economic relations have allowed these religious groups in the Middle East region, previously excluded from the political process, to actively assert themselves and try to defend their interests on an equal basis with the dominant contingents. They ... Read more