Hegemonic or Defensive? Patterns of Saudi Foreign Policy in the Era of the Arab Spring

Description

Since the beginning of the so-called ‘Arab Spring’, Saudi Arabia has conducted an active foreign policy at the regional and international levels. While many have understood such active Saudi role as hegemonic based on counter revolutionist agenda, this paper, however, argues that the current
active Saudi foreign policy is mainly defensive, aiming at securing Riyadh’s regional and international interests. Riyadh, since the Arab Spring, has found itself in a strategically challenging position, that is the growing influence of its regional competitors, and the growing mistrust with its international allies. In other words, this paper will show that Riyadh’s active foreign policy is motivated by strategic challenges, rather than strategic opportunities.