Chapter 7

Overview of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy

Saudi Arabia presents itself as an unconventional power within the Middle East landscape. Militarily, it is relatively weak compared to its regional neighbors like Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. Its demographic structure is characterized by a significant portion of noncitizen foreign workers, meaning that the citizen population is smaller than that of some neighboring states. Despite these factors, Saudi Arabia boasts the largest economy in the Arab world and plays a crucial role as the world's leading oil producer and exporter, controlling a significant portion of global oil reserves. Additionally, hosting Islam's two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, positions Saudi Arabia in a unique leadership role within the Muslim world.

The motivations behind Saudi foreign policy can be summarized as the protection of national sovereignty and the stability of the ruling Al Saud regime. Its foreign policy not only serves as a tool for state consolidation but also reveals a complex web of relationships and alliances.

Levels of Foreign Policy Engagement

Saudi foreign policy operates on multiple levels:

  1. International Level: Defined by a strategic alliance with the United States and dependency on oil as an economic powerhouse.

  2. Regional Level: Engaging with larger neighbors while maintaining stability amid regional power dynamics.

  3. Local Level: Asserting dominance over smaller monarchies and influencing Yemen.

Conflicts can arise at these levels, wherein beneficial policies at one level may adversely affect relationships at another. For instance, the alliance with the United States offers military and economic advantages but also renders the kingdom susceptible to regional attacks and domestic opposition, especially following terrorist events like September 11, 2001.

Oil's Central Role in Foreign Policy

Saudi Arabia’s integration into the global economy stems primarily from its oil production capabilities. The country ranks as a major producer, recently reported at 9.14 million barrels of oil per day, with unmatched flexibility to scale production quickly, serving as a swing producer in global oil markets. This dependency on oil shapes Saudi relations, particularly with the United States—considered both an essential ally and a source of dependency.

However, Saudi Arabia's foreign policy does not reflect a mere subjugation under US influence; it retains significant autonomy. Historical actions such as forming OPEC, controlling ARAMCO, and turning down US military endeavors illustrate a nuanced diplomatic posture. The country's position should be viewed through the lens of asymmetric interdependence, where, although tied to the US, it utilizes its oil leverage to further its own national interests.

Challenges to Regime Stability

In the context of regional politics, Saudi Arabia grapples with transnational identities like Arabism and Islamism. These ideologies serve as dual threats—conventional military challenges from neighboring powers and ideological movements questioning the ruling legitimacy of the Al Saud regime. Historically, movements such as those led by the Hashemite monarchs, Gamal Abdul Nasser, and during the Iranian Revolution, posed significant challenges, each requiring strategic balancing acts in foreign policy.

The Iranian challenge, particularly in the aftermath of the Iraq War, has heightened Saudi concerns, leading to support for various factions opposing Iranian influence and intervention across the region. The subsequent response to these ideological threats reflects the kingdom's fear of internal dissent and a focused effort to uphold regime integrity.

Saudi-Aid and Regional Dynamics

In asserting its dominance on the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia's strategy revolves around containing foreign influence, particularly in Yemen and other smaller monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Despite success in fostering relationships with these states, challenges persist, particularly in Yemen, where historical rivalries complicate Saudi efforts to extend influence.

Moreover, throughout its history, the Al Saud regime has relied heavily on a combination of strategic partnerships, financial investment, and political maneuvering. Annually, Saudi Arabia provides substantial financial aid, establishing a patron-client relationship with neighboring states, which helps to reinforce its hegemonic posture.

State Formation Through Ideology and Finance

The unification of Saudi Arabia under King Abd al-Aziz was pivotal, consolidating diverse regions with distinct identities into a singular state governed by the Al Saud family. The ideological foundation of Wahhabism significantly influenced state-building efforts, assisting in the maintenance of authority across the various territories. Yet, the relationship between religious ideology and political governance remains delicate, particularly considering the Shiite minority's presence within the kingdom and the challenges it poses to Saudi governance.

The influx of oil revenue transformed the socio-political landscape, providing the means for infrastructure growth and state services, thus creating an expectation of loyalty from citizens in return for economic benefits. However, this reliance on oil brings potential vulnerabilities—should oil prices drop or external competition disrupt revenue streams, the kingdom's financial stability and infrastructure programs could face immediate threats, impacting internal order and security efforts.

Cardinal Goals and Conclusion

The overarching principle of Saudi foreign policy remains the preservation of regime security. Throughout historical crises, particularly notable are moments like the Egyptian-Israeli peace process or the Iraq war. In these times, the Saudi government has prioritized immediate threats to its legitimacy and territorial integrity while also striving to maintain favorable relations with the US. Despite historical tensions—especially post-September 11 and during the Arab Spring—Saudi Arabia's strategic alliance with the U.S. has proven resilient, guided by mutual interests.

Continued engagement with the U.S. amid fluctuating regional dynamics highlights the ongoing balancing act necessary for Saudi foreign policy, where maintaining stability both at home and in international affairs leads to cautious yet calculated diplomatic decisions.