The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret diplomatic accord reached between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the French Third Republic during World War I. The discussions were primarily orchestrated by Sir Mark Sykes on behalf of the British government and François Georges-Picot for France. The agreement aimed to define their respective spheres of influence and control over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire in the Middle East following the conclusion of hostilities. The accord earmarked regions that would fall under British control—most notably modern-day Iraq and Jordan—while granting France control over areas that would become modern-day Syria and Lebanon.

The negotiations were held in absolute secrecy, reflecting the sensitive nature and strategic significance of the territories involved. Both powers were motivated by the desire to secure economic interests, particularly oil, and to expand their geopolitical reach in light of Ottoman vulnerabilities exacerbated by their military struggles during the war. Over time, the secret agreement became public knowledge, leading to significant backlash from Arab leaders who had been promised independence and self-determination in exchange for their support against the Ottomans.

The implications of the Sykes-Picot Agreement were profound, shaping the political landscape of the Middle East for decades to come. The arbitrary borders established ignored ethnic, tribal, and religious considerations, sowing seeds of conflict that can still be seen today. The agreement fundamentally altered the region's politics and laid the foundation for future struggles, including the rise of nationalism and the creation of various modern nation-states under often contentious boundaries.