Having historically been the only oil producer with sufficient spare capacity to shape the world economy, Saudi Arabia has held a critical position in 21st century geopolitics. Despite the increasingly robust role Saudi Arabia is playing on the regional scene, the kingdom faces internal and external challenges that keep it from fulfilling its vast potential. In Saudi Arabian Foreign Policy: Conflict and Cooperation, Gulf expert Neil Partrick and other regional analysts address the kingdom’s role in the Middle East and wider Islamic world, and its engagement with established and emergent global powers.

AGSIW was pleased to host a discussion with the book’s editor, Neil Partrick, and a contributor to the book, Mark N. Katz, who focused on Russian relations with Saudi Arabia. They were joined by Fahad Nazer, who discussed the work and took a more in-depth look at Saudi Arabian foreign policy strategies. The panel, moderated by AGSIW Senior Resident Scholar Hussein Ibish, additionally covered topics including the role of Iran in the region and the wars in Syria and Yemen.

Speakers:

Neil Partrick, Independent Writer and Middle East Analyst

Mark N. Katz, Professor of Government and Politics, George Mason University

Fahad Nazer, Non-Resident Fellow, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (Discussant)

Hussein Ibish, Senior Resident Scholar, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (Moderator)

Neil Partrick, the editor and main contributor of Saudi Arabian Foreign Policy: Conflict and Cooperation, focused his discussion on specific policy approaches that Saudi Arabia has taken. He used energy policy as an example, explaining the traditional versus pragmatic move toward market share. There has been a “lack of planning” on Saudi Arabia’s part, which he views as nothing new. Partrick argued that Saudi officials still cleave very strongly to their U.S. relationship and alliance. He used the term “Saudi double think” to explain contradictions and inconsistencies in rhetoric used by the kingdom. He referenced examples of Egyptian troops in Yemen and the Iran deal; relations, attitudes, and perceptions appear to vacillate.

Mark N. Katz, who contributed a chapter on Russian-Saudi relations, commented on this dynamic. There are a number of issues that divide the two countries. Specifically, Saudi Arabia has two major policy grievances with Russia: Russian reluctance to cut oil production and its trade with Iran. Russia wants to improve its relationship with Saudi Arabia, but not at the expense of its relationship with Iran. Katz explained that Russia views Saudi Arabia as a revolutionary regime. To that end, Saudi Arabia and Russia are in competition for influence in the United States. Katz did not expect Russia to invade Syria or to withdraw.

Fahad Nazer, commented on the book as being thought-provoking and relevant. He explained that it filled outdated gaps in the literature. Nazer argued that there is a fundamental shift happening within Saudi Arabia and, to a larger extent, with its foreign policy. Saudi Arabia feels that the United States has abandoned its “policeman” role in the region; there is more to Saudi foreign policy that goes beyond Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the United States. Nazer noted that he believes that long-term Saudi-U.S. relations are good despite perceptions and comments made by the Obama administration. On the other hand, Saudi relations with Iran are at an all-time low and will likely remain strained.