Saudi Arabia: A Crossroad Between Alliances

Abstract

This study seeks to answer the following question on the kingdom’s new era, “In light of global polar turbulence, what are the options for Saudi Arabia’s alliances and why?”. Four cases will be compared and evaluated based on the strengths and limitations of each diplomatic approach. Then the ideal alliance for Saudi Arabia to cooperate with moving forward with Vision 2030’s regional stability and domestic prosperity will be determined. First is the classic alignment with the hegemonic United States, its history and latest status. The second is the prospect of building ties with China and the challenges it may create, as well as the possibility of shifting the global balance of power. Third is the recent U.S.-sponsored endeavor to construct a railway project that promotes trade and interconnectivity from India across the Middle East to Europe. Israel is also a part of this which will alter regional dynamics in its favor. The final case is assessing to what extent the kingdom can play a multi-diplomatic game considering its interests through the core and periphery model. Through examining these different scenarios, this research will give a valuable realist diplomatic approach to a rapidly evolving country in a contested region governed by geopolitics. After evaluating each case, the study found that the multi-diplomatic approach is ideal for the pursuit of Saudi Arabia’s diverse national interests.