Developments in the Middle East
farshid farhadi; Afshin Mottaghi
Abstract
Saudi Arabia, as a country that plays a major role in the political equations of Regional order of West Asia, has defined Islamic Republic of Iran as its primary rival in the region. This applied research aims to draw the future scenarios of Saudi Arabia toward Iran was based on the GBN method. The statistical ...
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Saudi Arabia, as a country that plays a major role in the political equations of Regional order of West Asia, has defined Islamic Republic of Iran as its primary rival in the region. This applied research aims to draw the future scenarios of Saudi Arabia toward Iran was based on the GBN method. The statistical population is composed of two main categories: documents and elites. The latter is also divided into academic and executive groups. Data collection is also carried out using the library study and field survey methods. The research findings yielded 2 possible scenarios of Escape from Hobbesian and Again the spiral of fear. The general analysis of the scenarios suggests that new season will begin in the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. A situation whose important feature will be to reduce the intensity of tension and conflict between the two countries in the horizon of 2030. Of course, if the drivers of chaos, such as the negative role of America and Israel, do not prevail.
International Relations
Abdul Majid Seifi; hossein delavar
Abstract
As the United States expands its attention to the East in an effort to contain China,Beijing deepens its policy of diversifying its relations in order to reduce the negative effects of the United States'focus on East Asia.Part of this diversification has been leaning towards the strategy of occidentalism ...
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As the United States expands its attention to the East in an effort to contain China,Beijing deepens its policy of diversifying its relations in order to reduce the negative effects of the United States'focus on East Asia.Part of this diversification has been leaning towards the strategy of occidentalism or focusing on West Asia.Among the countries of West Asia,the expansion of China's relations with Saudi Arabia is a good example of China's occidentalism strategy due to its important role in the energy market and its influence on a wide range of Islamic and Arab states.In this regard, the main question of this research is what is the position of occidentalism in China's Strategic behavior?How is the position of Saudi Arabia defined in this occidentalism strategy?The findings of the research show that due The state of power distribution in the international system and the creation of new opportunities in the areas of need for energy resources,Countering the expansion of US influence, and initiatives such as the New Silk Road,the position of occidentalism in China's Strategic behavior has been strengthened and Saudi Arabia has a key position in this strategy.The article is done using historical research method with descriptive-analytical approach and explanatory method
International Relations
Mokhtar Ghasemi; Seied Saeed Mirtorabi Hoseini; Mohammad Vali Modarres; Farideh Mohammad Alipour
Abstract
IntroductionThe China–Saudi Arabia relations have witnessed significant growth and development from 2011 to 2022. Primarily driven by oil relations, the relations between the two countries have flourished in areas such as trade, investment, technology, and military cooperation. In December 2022, ...
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IntroductionThe China–Saudi Arabia relations have witnessed significant growth and development from 2011 to 2022. Primarily driven by oil relations, the relations between the two countries have flourished in areas such as trade, investment, technology, and military cooperation. In December 2022, the two countries established the highest level of bilateral ties by signing 34 investment agreements valued at around 30 billion dollars, spanning various sectors such as clean energy, hydrogen production, solar energy, information technology, transportation, medical and housing industries, and building materials factories. Furthermore, China’s oil imports from Saudi Arabia increased from 5 million and 66 thousand barrels per day in 2011 to 10 million and 852 thousand barrels per day in 2020. The figure remained above 10 million barrels during 2022, despite the challenges posed by the COVID–19 pandemic and unfavorable economic conditions. This trend Indicates growing relations between China and Saudi Arabia.China and Saudi Arabia have exchanged a large share of capital in the energy sector. The Saudi active presence in the Chinese oil market has positioned it as China’s largest trade partner in the West Asia and African region. The bilateral investment volume between the two countries stands at approximately 73 billion dollars. Saudi Arabia’s extensive investments aimed at controlling China’s oil import network, refineries, and petrochemical industry, along with its involvement in the plan to double China’s strategic oil reserve, underscore the importance of maintaining China’s energy market for Saudi Arabia. Consequently, given China’s status as the largest energy consumer and Saudi Arabia’s position as the largest oil exporter, both countries possess the requisite capacity to foster cooperation in this field.In addition, Vision 2030 and the One Belt One Road Initiative are strategic factors facilitating the expansion of China–Saudi Arabia relations. In this regard, the two countries have signed comprehensive strategic cooperation agreements, leading to the establishment of the High-Level Joint Committee. During the committee’s second meeting in Riyadh in August 2017, contracts valued at 70 billion dollars were signed. Moreover, an important milestone was reached by signing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for the establishment of a joint investment fund worth 20 billion dollars. Furthermore, Industrial Development Fund, China’s Silk Road Fund, and Everbright Bank were established. These agreements, memoranda, and funds intend to expedite the development of China’s One Belt One Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Although China is trying to maximize its energy security by distributing its oil imports among different countries (e.g., the US), Saudi Arabia’s consistent share of approximately 20% in recent years remains of utmost significance.Literature ReviewSeveral studies have examined the topics of US energy policy and the development of China–Saudi Arabia relations. However, few works have linked these two phenomena in an analytical manner. The novelty of this article lies in its attempt to bridge this gap and provide an analysis by exploring the interplay between these two issues.Materials and MethodsThis research adopted a mixed methods design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. Documents and library resources were used to collect the data. Relying on an examination of research, analytical and statistical texts, the study focused on indexing and defining variables and their influential factors in a bid to conduct an analytical and inferential exploration to elucidate the trends and interrelationships between the independent and dependent variables.ConclusionThe US–Saudi oil relations have witnessed unparalleled growth and encompassed various economic, political, and security sectors in recent decades. Furthermore, to ensure its own growth and development, it is imperative for China to maintain stability and security in the energy sector. This objective can be achieved through effective management of competition and, in certain instances, cooperation with the United States. The ongoing trend of expanding relations between China and Saudi Arabia in the energy sector is unprecedented, solidifying China’s position as a significant competitor to the United States. The growing China–Saudi Arabia relations are driven by the mutual needs in the energy sector and strategic development plans. Yet the present research aimed to analyze China–Saudi Arabia relations with an eye to the US energy policy, relying a neo-mercantilist approach. Consequently, the primary question addressed in this article is: how has the US energy policy during 2011–2022 influenced the dynamics of China–Saudi Arabia relationship. The study was based on the hypothesis that the US energy policy during 2011–2022, characterized by increased oil and shale gas production and a reinforced neo-mercantilist approach in the energy sector, played a crucial role in fostering closer ties between China and Saudi Arabia, primarily in the oil sector, and supported their efforts to broaden mutual cooperation across other fields. The hypothesis was tested through empirical and explanatory methods. The research findings suggest that China–Saudi Arabia cooperation is expected to expand further in the future, while taking into account the sensitivities associated with these relations from the perspective of the United States.
Mehdi Hedayati Shahidani; Mohammad Reza Babaie
Abstract
With the aim of defeating the goals of the Yemeni revolution, the Saudi-led Arabic Coalition entered the Yemeni campaign in 2015. But there were clear signs of disagreement among key members of the coalition on the Yemeni scene. The southern regions of Yemen became competition place of Saudi Arabia and ...
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With the aim of defeating the goals of the Yemeni revolution, the Saudi-led Arabic Coalition entered the Yemeni campaign in 2015. But there were clear signs of disagreement among key members of the coalition on the Yemeni scene. The southern regions of Yemen became competition place of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Accordingly, the main question of the article is what are the most important factors of competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the Yemeni crisis? The hypothesis is that the two actors' different perceptions of the common enemy component and their skeptical attitude about the desired results are the main factors in the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and UAE in Yemen. This article describes the components of competition between the two countries in Yemen through a descriptive-analytical method, and examines the impact of the competition between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi on the political future of Yemen.
ali adami; nazanin nazifi; aref bijan
Abstract
If the past to the present, the Middle East can be defined in one word, that word is "instability." Following the current challenges, the opening of relations between the two countries in the Middle East is more significant than other regional alliances: "Israel and Saudi Arabia". The main question is: ...
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If the past to the present, the Middle East can be defined in one word, that word is "instability." Following the current challenges, the opening of relations between the two countries in the Middle East is more significant than other regional alliances: "Israel and Saudi Arabia". The main question is: to what extent Israel and Saudi Arabia have been able to succeed in balancing against Iran? it's assumed that; The factors that keep these two governments together are: concern over Iran's nuclear deal, It also reduced the presence and role of the United States in the region, Reduce the US presence and role in the region, And crises caused by extremism and the civil war in Syria. However, given the challenges of regional and trans-regional actors, the proximity of two governments is not a step towards consolidating a balanced alliance to isolate and confront Iran. Despite the commonalities and causative factors in the normalization of relations between the two countries more than before, According to Randall Schwedler's “Under balancing" theory can be said: The two countries have not been able to form a strong alliance especially against Iran as their common enemy.
gholamreza karimi; Seyed Ali monavari; saeed mirtorabi; parviz sharifi
Abstract
This article aims to investigate the effective factors on economic interactions in Saudi Arabia during and after conducting Jam negotiations in 2013-2016 based on the economic game theory by “Thomas Shieling” and using the documental method, with putting emphasis on this hypothesis ...
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This article aims to investigate the effective factors on economic interactions in Saudi Arabia during and after conducting Jam negotiations in 2013-2016 based on the economic game theory by “Thomas Shieling” and using the documental method, with putting emphasis on this hypothesis that the negotiation procedure and performing JCPOA with changing the role and expanding Iranian regional penetration, challenges Iran and Saudi Arabia’s relationships in regional level, which is one of the most important findings of this study. Based on the fear of nuclear negotiation feedbacks and the operative JCPOA agreement, Saudi Arabia would be encountered Iran’s political, economic and civil position in both regional and international level. It makes Saudi to be one of the main important oil reactor in OPEC in 2013-2016 with enhancement procedure beyond global requirement, the productive range 9,140,000 barrels in June 2013 was about 10,720.000 barrels in November 2016with the aim of serious battle with Iran, so that the decision and intention with the aim of increasing oil production more than the global market requirement, some challenges in Iran’s plans and programs and particularly positive reflections due to JCPOA agreement.
Sajad Bahrami Moghadam
Abstract
This paper, in an explanatory method and from the perspective of the balance-of-interest theory, shows that US-Saudi relations are based on the complex pattern of cooperation while conflicts of interest in different geopolitical contexts, and conflict of interest impedes the promotion of cooperation ...
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This paper, in an explanatory method and from the perspective of the balance-of-interest theory, shows that US-Saudi relations are based on the complex pattern of cooperation while conflicts of interest in different geopolitical contexts, and conflict of interest impedes the promotion of cooperation between the two governments to a strategic alliance and at the same time benefits The common cause has been the collapse of relations between the two governments, so issues such as arms agreements or different positions of the two governments in the Middle East crisis do not lead to a fundamental change in their relations. The findings also show that the formation and continuity of the two governments' ties has security implications, and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken advantage of American power to counter its regional rivals, and the fears of Iran, especially over the last decade, have been a powerful impetus to policies Saudi Arabia's Middle East has been feared that its severity is rooted in Saudi Arabian supremacy and vulnerabilities towards Iran, in which the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has found Iran's defensive influence in the Middle East with aggressive intent with its predecessors. Accordingly, the author pointed out at the end of the necessity of a regional dialogue forum in the Persian Gulf region with a view to reducing the submissions of the behavior and intentions of the neighbors
mohammadjavad fathi; mojtaba abdekhodaei; sarem shiravand
Abstract
Sometimes using the concepts of science could be helpful in understanding political relations and international researchers. One of the conceptual interest in the geopolitical system is used, is the concept of "code" and "genome" in geopolitics. Geopolitical genome, the genetic map of each country's ...
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Sometimes using the concepts of science could be helpful in understanding political relations and international researchers. One of the conceptual interest in the geopolitical system is used, is the concept of "code" and "genome" in geopolitics. Geopolitical genome, the genetic map of each country's that affects domestic and especially foreign policy of the countries. Countries consider genomes of other actors as geopolitical codes. Interaction or confrontation of Code / genome of countries creates an atmosphere that can be aligned or inconsistent with national and regional interests. The authors of this paper attempt to identify factors affecting geopolitics of Iran and Saudi Arabia. To answer the question of "what impacts geopolitical tool in foreign policy with Iran and Saudi Arabia? The hypothesis of the paper is that the geopolitical genome and the heritability and geographic features of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are very influential in the formation of geopolitical codes, orientations and strategies of the two countries in the external arena, and both actors are trying to turn off its negative gene and power generating forces and activating the positive and powerful genes, while the geopolitical approach dominates the relationship between the two actors.
Abstract
In recent years we have witnessed lots of changes in the Middle East that have international aspects and influenced regional coalitions. The US-Saudi coalition is one of these regional coalition which has been the source of contradictions due to the world changes. In addition to the mentioned variables, ...
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In recent years we have witnessed lots of changes in the Middle East that have international aspects and influenced regional coalitions. The US-Saudi coalition is one of these regional coalition which has been the source of contradictions due to the world changes. In addition to the mentioned variables, the events of 11/9 which Saudi Arabia had been accused of, international variable which has influenced the relations between the two states and getting the case under reconsideration in the Congress has played a determinative role in intensifying the tensions between them. This article seeks to discuss the US foreign policy toward these changes which are originated from Middle East and the effects applied to the US-Saudi relations. The premise which is going to be considered on behalf of this issue is the US policies toward the changes and regional and trans-regional dynamics related to Middle East which resulted in divergence between the US-Saudi relations in 2010-2016 has distinguished its controversial aspects. The research method of this article is desk study-documentary method.
sajad moradi kelardeh
Abstract
Saudi Arabia's Regional Foreign Policy as an important player in the Middle East and the Arab world is affected by Middle East new changes, especially Iran's presence in Iraq. Most analyses about Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy toward Iraq were formulated based on realistic approaches and less attention ...
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Saudi Arabia's Regional Foreign Policy as an important player in the Middle East and the Arab world is affected by Middle East new changes, especially Iran's presence in Iraq. Most analyses about Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy toward Iraq were formulated based on realistic approaches and less attention paid to the role of normative and identity elements. Taking advantage of the analytic method and constructivism theory of Foreign Policy, the present paper tries to answer this question: what is the role of identity elements in Saudi Arabia's foreign policy toward Iraq? The hypothesis of the paper is: the Saudi Arabia's foreign policy in Iraq can be explained based on its identity elements and material and tangible benefit. Findings of the paper illustrate that Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy in Iraq in local and regional areas, actually composed of identity elements such as Arab identity, Wahhabi Islam, Saudi political system and material elements that has helped in its interventionist approach in order to change current situation and increased instability in Iraq.
Peyman Zanganeh; Somaye Hamidi
Abstract
Yemen crisis is one of the challenging issues in the Middle East which has been
determined, so far, by regional and global powers. As two regional powers, Iran
and Saudi Arabia are among the countries which has demonstrated opposite
behaviors in this issue. Different approaches in decision making ...
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Yemen crisis is one of the challenging issues in the Middle East which has been
determined, so far, by regional and global powers. As two regional powers, Iran
and Saudi Arabia are among the countries which has demonstrated opposite
behaviors in this issue. Different approaches in decision making in these two
countries has caused them to adopt a contrastive foreign policy toward their
areas as a result of different subjective and objective interpretations. The
current crisis in Yemen is among challenging domains between Iran and Saudi
Arabia. Here, the controversy between the two concepts of Shiite's Islam and
Wahhabi's islam have dragged the two countries' relations towards a regional
cold war. Therefore, the present study aims at analyzing and revising the
contrast between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Yemen's current crisis.
Afshin Mottaghi
Volume 4, Issue 12 , July 2015, , Pages 141-161
Abstract
Regarding the geopolitical position and geographical features, Iran and Saudi Arabia can be considered as two important states in the region. From the early 1950s, the two started rivalries in the Persian Gulf region. Tension and conflict between the two countries rose, in the second Phalavi era, and ...
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Regarding the geopolitical position and geographical features, Iran and Saudi Arabia can be considered as two important states in the region. From the early 1950s, the two started rivalries in the Persian Gulf region. Tension and conflict between the two countries rose, in the second Phalavi era, and because of the symmetry of the sphere of influence of the two, continuous level of tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been experienced. This rivalry, along with a number of material and ideological factors strained relations between Tehran and Riyadh. Iran, especially after the Islamic Revolution has influence among Muslim countries in the region, and the Shiite ideological orientation challenged Saudi Wahhabi ideology. Furthermore, ethnic ties and geopolitical competition in the region, with regard to the power and hegemonic matters, has increased tension between the two countries. This study, with analytical methodology is orchestrated according to the theory of Constructivism and attempts to examine the main causes of conflict in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Results shows that the absence of common three concepts of "normativity", "images" and "identity" between Iran and Saudi Arabia, in addition to geopolitical-based competitions are a significant causes of tention in relations between Tehran and Riyadh.
Ali Reza Kooh kan; Saei Tajari
Volume 3, Issue 10 , February 2015, , Pages 113-128
Abstract
Abstract With the onset of the political crisis in Syria, regional and trans-regional actors began to adopt different stances according to their interests in relation to this country which has a special geopolitical and geostrategic importance in the Middle East. Meanwhile, continuous efforts ...
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Abstract With the onset of the political crisis in Syria, regional and trans-regional actors began to adopt different stances according to their interests in relation to this country which has a special geopolitical and geostrategic importance in the Middle East. Meanwhile, continuous efforts of some governments to put pressure on and overthrow the Assad regime are one of the obvious factors in Syrian dilemma which have added to the complexity of the situation in this country. In order to contain Iran as part of its foreign policy strategy, Saudi Arabia as a regional actor has played a significant role in the changes in Syria. Saudi Arabia has initiated extensive measures, from financial and spiritual support of al-Qaeda militants to active participation in the Western-Arab axis, in order to persuade other countries to support the Syrian opposition and launched ceaseless efforts to attack this country. This article studies the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia and the interests and efforts of this country in the internal changes of Syria. The results of this analysis show that Saudi Arabia has entered the Syrian crisis with the aim of improving its own regional position and, in this regard, has adopted policies that will cause damage to the long-term interests of this country.
