The Middle East in the Geopolitics of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This article analyzes the formation of a new foreign policy strategy of Saudi Arabia in the context of the changing situation in the Middle East after the "Arab Spring" and the "nuclear deal" with Iran. It is shown that domestic political instability and economic problems due to falling oil prices have a great impact on the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia. The struggle with Iran for dominance in the region is becoming the basis of its policy in the Middle East. It is noted that the complication of relations with the United States also has a significant impact on the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh in its geopolitics failed to neutralize the growth of Iran's influence in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen. In the Syrian conflict, Riyadh relies on supporting B. Assad's opponents, thus seeking to strengthen its position in the country and oust Iran and Russia from there. The confrontation with Iran forced Saudi Arabia to intervene in the civil war in Yemen and conduct a successful operation in Bahrain. The article shows Saudi Arabia's desire to keep Egypt, Jordan and a number of other countries in the region in the sphere of its foreign policy by providing financial assistance to these states. A conclusion is made about the economic, geopolitical and religious causes of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran and Saudi Arabia's desire to strengthen its position in the Middle East and East Africa. A major breakthrough in this regard was Riyadh's acquisition of two islands in the Red Sea from Egypt.