Saudi Arabia and Iran: beyond conflict and coexistence? (original) (raw)

How does Saudi-Iranian rivalry shape developments in the Middle East and South Asia

The Saudi-Iranian geopolitical rivalry demonstrates an increasingly array of problems for the Middle East and South Asia. This geopolitical rivalry is further complicated by religious and ideological competition that is embedded within the domestic and regional landscape of the both the Middle East and South Asia. The rivalry has hindered peaceful developments within the regions as both rivals have attempted to out manoeuvre each other through proxy conflict. This can be exemplified by their interferences in Iraq, Lebanon and to a smaller extent in Pakistan. The implications of their rivalry has also exacerbated conflicts within Syria and Yemen by hindering any prospects of a conflict resolution, and further contributing to the widespread catastrophes. The religious dimensions of the rivalry have also prevented discriminated Shi’a populations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan from gaining political and civil rights. Sunnis within Iran and Iraq also face a similar dilemma. Furthermore, Iran’s expansion has forced Saudi Arabia to seek common ground with Israel.

Conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran: An Examination of Critical Factors Inhibiting their Positive Roles in the Middle East

2014

Campbell, who has the boldness and elements of a genius. My first class at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was taught by Dr. Campbell, and since that class he has held my attention through his unique way of thinking and viewing the world. During my dissertation he constantly carried an essence of exploration in regard to my research and encouraged me to widen the spectrum of my thinking process. Without his guidance and assistance this dissertation would not have been accomplished. I would also like to express gratitude to Dr. Dustin Berna who surrounded me with his guidance, kindness, patience, and most prominently, his friendship during my graduate studies at NSU. His mentorship was paramount in offering a comprehensive experience consistent with my long-term future goals. Unfortunately, during my coursework toward obtaining my PhD degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from NSU, I was unable to take courses with my other committee member, Dr. Judith McKay. I was lucky enough, however, experience her as a substitute lecturer during my Human Factors course. Since that one class, I have been

Struggle for Regional Hegemony in Middle East; A Case Study of Saudi-Iran Rivalry

2021

This term paper reflects Saudi Iran's quest for power and its implications on Pakistan's foreign policy. The main bone of contention between the two states is the variance in sects i.e., Saudi Sunni sect and Iran Shia sect. Both the states long for their own political and economic influence in the Middle East. This rivalry has been through different stages; currently negotiations are taking place between the two states. In this term paper, different aspects of this rivalry are discussed but the main focus is its implications on Pakistan's foreign policy. Pakistan is dependent on both the states and it can be said that it is stuck between the two as one of its guiding principles is to maintain congenial relations with other Muslim states. It has cordial relations with Saudi Arabia and warm relations with Iran. The concerned research topic would be discussed in the light of Neorealism analyzing the research topic from different angles and enlightening the readers regarding the research topic utilizing the mentioned theory. Foreign policy of Pakistan is greatly affected by the rivalry between the two Gulf States. Suggestions/recommendations will be given in order to minimize the conflict as if the conflict escalates, it would leave tremendous effects on Pakistan's foreign policy.

Saudi Arabia -Iran Conflict in the Middle East: A Struggle for Regional Hegemony

This article seeks to examine the existing state of chaos in the Middle East, which is exacerbated by Saudi Arabia and Iran's long-standing rivalry. When this conflicting relationship is taken into consideration for analysis, a wide range of factors come into play, including competing legitimacies, geostrategic interests, historical animosity, and religious and sectarian differences. Both states have significant involvement in proxy wars, direct and indirect, in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. The rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran, which is fueled by both sectarianism and power politics combined, has definitely increased the likelihood of a new cold war, which is one of the dangerous factors defining regional politics. This article will also look at the fresh improvement in relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran and investigate China's role as a mediator in the peace agreement. Using the theoretical framework of Neoclassical Realism (NCR), the study examines the intricate dynamics of relations between Riyadh and Tehran, taking into account both foreign and domestic factors. The study examines the historical background of their tense relationship, which was fueled by proxy conflicts and geopolitical aspirations. China's role in mediating the peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran highlights its strategic and security interest in the area and reaffirms its use of economic power to further diplomatic goals. The discussion then turns to Saudi Arabia's and Iran's reconciliation efforts and goals.

The Iran -Saudi Arabia Power Struggle

The paper examines the origins and development of the Iran and Saudi Arabia rivalry to be dominant force in the Middle East and guiding light in the Islamic world. The paper considers the fallout of the rivalry on countries such as The USA, Israel, and Turkey.

Iran and Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Rivalry and the Middle Eastern Security: An Assessment

Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ), 2021

The strategic rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been worsened for the last two decades. This historical sectarian divisions led by Saudi Arabia and Iran has now morphed into a struggle for regional influence between Shia political power led by Iran and Sunni political power led by Saudi Arabia. Against this backdrop, the study examines the contours of the Middle Eastern security in the context of Saudi and Iran strategic rivalry in various conflicts such as crisis in Syria, Yemen, and situation in Iraq including proxy wars and Iran’s nuclear program. The study finds out that the security situation of the Middle East would have been much better if Saudi and Iran would have cooperated on various issues such as Yemen and Syrian crisis. In addition, the internal vulnerabilities of the Middle East with Iran and Saudi strategic antagonism provided opportunities to the external power intervention that further has intensified the conflicts in the region. The study concludes that the...

The battle for regional dominance between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Journal of Liberty and International Affairs , 2018

This article describes the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia for achieving regional hegemony in the Middle East. Both states have an ambition to be the leader of the Islamic world and there is a constant struggle between them to dominate Middle East and spread their influence in neighboring countries. Both countries fund militant Islamic movements abroad and are engaged in fierce battle for regional dominance. After the establishment of theocratic regime in Iran, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia vehemently opposed Teheran’s ambitions to export revolutions and increase its influence in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is determined to counter the Iranian revolutionary threat and constantly opposes Teheran’s ambitions to dominate the Arab World. Saudi Arabia and Iran often accuse each other of fueling sectarian violence by backing Shia and Sunni militias in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. Both countries try to avoid direct confrontation with each other. Instead of direct conflict, both sides fight each other indirectly and provide varying degrees of support to different camps in nearby conflicts

Security Dynamics in Saudi-Iran Relations: An Analysis (1997-2013)

Pakistan Social Sciences Review

This qualitative study aimed to discuss and analyze the complex regional security dynamics that have influenced and shaped the foreign policy of two Iranian presidents, President Muhammad Khatami (1997-2005) and President Mahmud Ahmadinejad (2005-2013) towards Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and Iran are gripped in a zero-sum game, contesting for land, economic resources, weapons and most specifically regional hegemony. An ancient historical and territorial dispute, age-old cultural, ethnic and linguistic differences have brought the two powers in deep-seated mistrust and acrimony. All these factors further encouraged the two nations to support their proxies through funding, military arms, soldiers, and by promoting sectarianism. In 2011, the Arab Spring escalated the Saudi-Iranian rivalry and further derailed the fragile stability and security conditions of the region. The nature and pattern of relations between the two regional rivals is highly significant as their mutual relations not only affect their domestic politics but also the strategic and political landscape of the entire middle eastern region