European International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
and Management Studies
74
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
74-78
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
29 October 2024
ACCEPTED
30 December 2024
PUBLISHED
23 January 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue01 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
The Modern State of Saudi
Arabia's Policy to Ensure
Regional Security in The
Middle East
Khujamkulova Makhliyo Ergash's daughter
Kukdala district, Kashkadarya region, English teacher, 10th school,
Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This article explores the contemporary
strategies adopted by Saudi Arabia to ensure regional
security in the Middle East. It highlights the Kingdom's
efforts to strengthen alliances, combat terrorism,
stabilize conflict zones like Yemen, and improve
relations with Iran. Economic diversification under
Vision 2030 and mediation in regional conflicts are also
emphasized as key pillars of its policy framework. The
inclusion of a summary table provides a clear overview
of Saudi Arabia's initiatives and their impacts, making
this analysis a valuable resource for understanding its
regional role.
Keywords:
Saudi Arabia, Middle East, regional security,
GCC, Vision 2030, counterterrorism, Yemen conflict,
Iran relations, economic diversification, conflict
mediation, diplomacy.
Introduction:
As a term, Middle East, albeit still
contested in its meaning, did not gain much currency
until after the Second World War. Especially during the
Cold War, the terminology was popularised in US
contexts (Adelson 2012, 47
–
50). Here, we use the
neologism Middle East as referring to the geographical
area situated at the junction of Europe, Asia, and Africa
and of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean,
reflecting contemporary politological conventions
without denying the term’s contestations. As such, the
region occupies a unique strategic position. Hence, we
can easily understand why the region has attracted the
strategic attention and involvement of great powers
and empires throughout history. The Middle East is also
the birthplace and spiritual centre of Christianity,
Judaism and Islam. Specifically, the Middle East contains
the holiest places of Islam as well as the highest
institutions of Islamic learning, while the Holy Land of
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Palestine is associated with the aspirations of Jews and
Christians. It is also the birthplace of civilisation in the
Northern hemisphere (Jamieson 2016). Moreover,
with the beginning of the twentieth century and the
discovery of oil and natural gas “the fate of the region”
changed dramatically (Grigoriadis 2014, 124) because
in the Middle East we can find the greatest single
reserve of oil that stipulated other powers’ desires.
The region’s significant stocks of crude oil added to its
geographical, strategic and economic importance.
Particularly ‘Saudi Arabia was no longer the regiona
l
backwater that it had been until the 1940s’, but
became one of the leading regional powers in the
region. With the ongoing tensions between Iran and
Saudi Arabia, particularly after 1979, ‘the Persian Gulf
became an epicenter of global instability’ (Stei
nberg
2014, 116; Qadir and Rehman 2016). Mass production
of oil began around 1945, with Saudi Arabia, Iran,
Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
possessing large quantities of oil. Thus, with ongoing
tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia in mind, it is
worth noting that the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and
Iran are some of the highest in the world and the
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
is dominated by Middle Eastern countries. It is not,
therefore, surprising that the importance of the Middle
East transcends its geographical limits and that the
region has been a major theatre of global politics.
Defining Security
The answer to what makes something a security
problem has been a subject of a long academic debate
which grew out of dissatisfaction with the narrowing of
the field of security studies imposed by the military
logic of the Cold War. Thus, it has been argued that
concerns about military security traditionally masked
underlying issues of political, economic, societal, and
environmental threats (Buzan 1991 and 1991a; Buzan,
Waever and de Wilde 1998). Although military threats
remain important for security thinking and frontier
disputes maintain or are still perceived as an ongoing
(military) security threat (Joffé 1996), other types of
threats have risen in importance. Increasingly, Middle
East scholars have argued for a shift in the perception
of security away from military aspects to other issues
in the region (Chalk 2004). Unsurprisingly, the
continuous emphasis on the military aspect of security
comes primarily from scholars related to the military
sector itself (see Feldman and Toukan 1997;
Cordesman 2004; Terrill 2015) and, at least partly,
reflects the traditional interests of hegemonic powers
in the region (Zulfqar 2018). Thus, reflecting the recent
trend in scholarship, this volume does not treat
military security as a singular issue, but as a problem
that should be discussed in as wider context. For
instance, as Blanton (1999) has argued, an increase in
military imports often goes hand in hand with an
increase in human rights violations and, thus, a decrease
in personal security. Thus, for the purposes of this
volume, Middle East security is defined in the broader
sense as the presence of threats that pose an existential
threat to states, governments, communities, individual
groups, and the region as a whole.
In other words, security operates both at the domestic
and regional levels. Because the dynamics of national
security are highly relational and interdependent
between states (Buzan 1991a, 34), individual national
securities can only be fully understood when considered
in relation to each other. Yet, power dynamics within
individual states are also of relevance here, whether
they concern authoritarianism, rentier economics, and
protectionism (Dauderstädt 2006) favouring some
groups, while causing security concerns to others.
Moreover, although migration is mostly discussed in the
European context (Held 2016), it is essentially an even
greater challenge, security issues included, for the
Middle East. Consequently, even though the traditional
understanding of security suggests a focus on the
military sector, the concept cannot be properly
understood without bringing in actors and dynamics
from
the
political,
societal,
economic,
and
environmental sectors (Buzan 1991, 363). According to
Buzan, the concept of security binds together these
levels and sectors so closely that it demands to be
treated in an integrative perspective (Buzan 1991, 364).
What is important to note is that the operation of the
forces of interdependence causes threats operating in
one sector to spill over and affect other sectors. For
example, a threat operating in the economic sector may
generate threats operating in the military and societal
sectors. In this sense, economic decline or the unequal
distribution of economic benefits may affect internal
stability, state (government)-society relations, as well as
reduce a state’s capacity to acquire weapons systems
for its defence. Similarly, threats stemming from the
domestic environment of the state may affect regional
security. The Syrian Civil War is a case in point of a crisis
that has a long history leading up to the events that
sparked the civil war: After ‘Hafez al
-Assad had
abandoned socialism for a limited crony capitalist
liberalisation in the 1990s […] his son accelerated the
process’, limiting economic opportunities to the elites,
while stripping off farm subsidies for diesel and
fertilisers. Together with the 2006
–
2010 drought which
caused the internal migration of over 300,000 (Sunni)
peasants to the urban centres, and the destabilisation
of the social strata in these centres (Philipps 2015, 366
–
7).
In the military sector, the referent object of security
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(what it is to be secured) is mainly the state and threats
usually come from the state’s external environment.
Military action usually threatens all the components of
the state. It can, for instance, repress the idea of the
state, damage its physical base, destroy its various
institutions, and leave a defeated society at the mercy
of the conqueror’s power. One example may be seen
in Lebanon’s dependence on Syria during and after
Lebanon’s civil war (1975–
1990). During the war,
Syria’s Hafez al
-
Assad established ‘a web of client
relationships wi
th multiple political actors and militia’
(Philipps 2016, 13) that essentially turned into a de
facto hegemony in Lebanon (Scheller 2013, 51). This is
one reason for which military threats have traditionally
been accorded the highest priority in national security
concerns. Due to the existence of several conflicts in
the Middle East, military security features prominently
among governmental priorities.
In the political sector, a state may be threatened both
internally and externally. Internally, threats may result
from a political struggle over the state’s ideology (e.g.
secularism, Islamism, pan-Arabism, democracy, and
authoritarianism), which may lead to governmental
actions that would threaten individual citizens or
groups. All of these elements may be identified in the
Arab Spring uprising in Egypt that first ousted
Mubarak, brought the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood
under Morsi to power through democratic election,
and eventual military coup under el-Sisi (Arafa 2014).
Resistance to the government, efforts to overthrow it,
or movements aimed at autonomy or independence all
threaten state stability and enhance state insecurity.
The Arab Spring has demonstrated the centrality of
political security since social uprising was, among other
things, a response to years of state oppression.
Externally, political threats are aimed at the
organisational stability of the state but may jeopardise
the stability of the entire region (Mason 2016, 77).
Their purpose may be to pressure the government on
a particular issue, or to overthrow the government, or
to encourage secessionism, as it is visible in the Kurds’
call for an independent state, or to disrupt the political
functions of the state in order to weaken it prior to
military attack. The idea of the state
–
particularly its
national identity, organising ideology, and institutions
–
are the usual targets of political threats. Since the
state is essentially a political entity, political threats
may be as much feared as military ones.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps
to shape its policy framework for ensuring regional
security in the Middle East. As one of the region's most
influential nations, its strategies are informed by both
its geopolitical ambitions and the necessity of
addressing emerging challenges.
Strengthening Alliances
Saudi Arabia has prioritized fostering alliances with key
regional and international partners to enhance
collective security. Central to this is the Kingdom's
relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an
organization designed to promote political, economic,
and military cooperation among its member states. By
bolstering military coordination and intelligence sharing
within the GCC, Saudi Arabia aims to present a united
front against common threats such as terrorism, cyber
warfare, and external aggression.
The Kingdom has also deepened its strategic ties with
global powers such as the United States, the European
Union, and China. These partnerships encompass arms
agreements, joint military exercises, and intelligence-
sharing initiatives, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's role
as a key player in regional security.
Counterterrorism and Extremism
Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of efforts to
combat terrorism and extremist ideologies in the
region. Initiatives such as the establishment of the
Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), a
coalition of 41 Muslim-majority countries, highlight the
Kingdom's commitment to addressing these challenges
through a multilateral approach.
Domestically, Saudi Arabia has launched comprehensive
de-radicalization programs aimed at rehabilitating
individuals exposed to extremist ideologies. Coupled
with stringent counterterrorism laws and increased
surveillance capabilities, these measures have
significantly curbed terrorist activities within its borders.
Promoting Stability in Yemen
The conflict in Yemen has been a critical test of Saudi
Arabia's regional security policy. The Kingdom's
intervention, under the umbrella of the Saudi-led
coalition, was initially aimed at restoring the
internationally recognized Yemeni government and
curbing the influence of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
While the protracted conflict has drawn criticism, Saudi
Arabia has shifted its focus towards diplomacy, initiating
peace talks and supporting humanitarian efforts to
stabilize Yemen.
Navigating Relations with Iran
Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Iran has historically
been marked by rivalry and tension, primarily due to
ideological differences and competing interests in the
region. However, recent developments, including the
China-brokered agreement to restore diplomatic ties in
2023, indicate a shift towards de-escalation and
dialogue. By pursuing diplomatic channels, Saudi Arabia
seeks to mitigate the risks of direct conflict while
addressing shared concerns such as maritime security
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and the stability of energy markets.
Emphasis on Economic Security
Recognizing the intrinsic link between economic
stability and security, Saudi Arabia has incorporated
Vision 2030
—
its ambitious plan for economic
diversification
—
into its security strategy. By reducing
dependence on oil and investing in technology,
renewable energy, and infrastructure, the Kingdom
aims to fortify its economy against external shocks.
Additionally, initiatives such as the Red Sea Economic
Zone and NEOM project are designed to position Saudi
Arabia as a hub for trade and innovation, thereby
enhancing its geopolitical influence.
Role in Conflict Mediation
Saudi Arabia has increasingly positioned itself as a
mediator in regional conflicts. Its involvement in
facilitating peace agreements, such as efforts to
reconcile warring factions in Sudan and broker
negotiations between Israel and Palestine, reflects a
broader commitment to regional stability. By leveraging
its diplomatic clout, the Kingdom aims to build trust and
foster cooperation among diverse stakeholders.
Summary Table of Key Policies and Initiatives
Policy Area
Key Initiative or Action
Impact
Strengthening
Alliances
GCC coordination, US and EU
partnerships
Enhanced military and
intelligence ties
Counterterrorism
Islamic
Military
Counter
Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC)
Regional cooperation
against terrorism
Yemen Stability
Saudi-led
coalition
intervention and peace talks
Diplomatic focus on
stabilization
Iran Relations
China-brokered
agreement,
maritime security cooperation
Reduced
regional
tensions
Economic Security
Vision
2030,
Red
Sea
Economic Zone, NEOM project
Diversified
and
resilient economy
Conflict Mediation
Facilitating Sudan peace talks,
Israel-Palestine dialogue
Increased diplomatic
influence
CONCLUSION
Saudi Arabia's modern security policies underscore a
multifaceted approach that blends military strength,
diplomatic engagement, economic resilience, and
counterterrorism efforts. As the Middle East continues
to face complex challenges, the Kingdom's evolving
strategies highlight its pivotal role in shaping a more
secure and stable region. Through sustained
partnerships, pragmatic diplomacy, and a commitment
to modernization, Saudi Arabia seeks not only to
safeguard its own interests but also to contribute to
the broader goal of regional peace and prosperity.
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