Introduction
Saudi Arabia is one of the most influential countries in the Middle East and at the moment, the country experiences certain shifts in its foreign policy. Once a country that was well known for its conservative policy and strong partnership with the United States, Saudi Arabia is now a country in the middle of the new world where it is necessary to find a place for conservatism and globalization. This paper aims at analyzing Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy transformation, its causes, and its likely consequences on the region and the rest of the world.
Historical Background of Saudi Arabia Foreign Policy
For much of the 20th and early 21st centuries, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy was characterized by a few key pillars: the safeguard of the royal family, the spread of the Wahhabi sect of Islam, and a strategic partnership with America.
Alliance with the U.S.:
The Saudi American relations have been a pillar of Saudi’s foreign policy since the discovery of oil in the kingdom in the 1930s. This relationship was based on reciprocity, where the U.S. gets the oil and Saudi Arabia gets the security. The U. S. protected the Saudi kingdom and the monarchy in return for the steady supply of oil.
Promotion of Wahhabi Islam:
Saudi Arabia has always sought to be at the forefront of the Islamic world and has actively spread its version of Islam – the Wahhabi Islam, which is a rather strict version of Sunni Islam. This religious influence has reached out to the rest of the Muslim nations and movements, defining Saudi Arabia’s interactions with other Islamic nations and groups.
Conservative Foreign Policy:
In the past, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy was reactive and passive. The kingdom did not actively participate in regional conflicts, instead it sought to shape the outcomes of these conflicts through monetary assistance, religious connections and emissaries. This approach was evident in the kingdom’s management of regional matters such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Iran Iraq war.
The Drivers of Change in Saudi Foreign Policy
In the last decade or so, there has been a shift in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy due to internal and external factors.
Vision 2030 and Economic Diversification:
Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to diversify the Saudi economy away from its dependence on oil. This ambitious agenda requires a more proactive and outward-looking foreign policy, as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract foreign investment, develop new industries, and integrate more fully into the global economy.
Regional Rivalries and Security Concerns:
The rivalry with Iran has become a central focus of Saudi foreign policy. Iran’s influence in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen is perceived as a direct threat to Saudi interests. This has led to a more assertive Saudi foreign policy, including military intervention in Yemen and diplomatic efforts to isolate Iran on the international stage.
Key Aspects of the New Saudi Foreign Policy
The transformation of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is evident in several key areas, including its approach to regional conflicts, diplomatic initiatives, and economic partnerships.
Assertive Regional Role:
Saudi Arabia has taken a more assertive role in regional affairs, particularly in response to the perceived threat from Iran. The Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, launched in 2015, is a clear example of this more aggressive stance. The kingdom has also sought to counter Iranian influence in Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria through a combination of military, economic, and diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic Initiatives:
Saudi Arabia is increasingly using diplomacy to achieve its foreign policy goals. This includes mediation efforts in conflicts such as the Sudanese civil war and the push for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The kingdom’s hosting of summits and conferences, such as the annual Arab League meetings, underscores its desire to be seen as a leader and mediator in the region.
Economic Partnerships:
As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is forging new economic partnerships around the world. The kingdom has signed major investment deals with China, Russia, and India, and is seeking to become a hub for global trade and finance. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been particularly active in acquiring stakes in international companies and launching joint ventures.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is in the process of a rather profound change, as the need to remain relevant in the modern world is increasingly felt. While the kingdom aims at increasing its power in the region, developing non-oil sectors and managing the changing international relations, it has both prospects and threats. The effectiveness of this new approach will therefore depend on Saudi Arabia’s capacity to navigate rivalries in the region, sustain stability and realize the lofty targets of Vision 2030. Thus, the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia will be of great importance for the further development of the Middle East as its position there changes.
Bottom Line
The change in the Saudi Arabia foreign policy is an indication of the new trend towards modernization and integration into the global society. It will be seen how well the kingdom can strike a balance between the traditional and the modern in the Middle East geopolitical system.