Cold War and the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Reasons for the absence of interstate war

Cold War and the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Reasons for the absence of interstate war PDF Author: Saqib Yaqoob
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 334608955X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 58

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Book Description
Bachelor Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Politics - Topic: Peace and Conflict, Security, grade: A, GC University, course: BA (Hons) Political Science, language: English, abstract: This research seeks to uncover the research objectives as the reasons behind the absence of interstate war from 1979 onwards between the Middle East’s most powerful rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia. It will define interstate warfare as a state of open and declared armed conflict between states or nations, resulting in a total of 1000 or more battle deaths. The research aims to present multiple aspects which require analysis: the conflict-zone orientation, external-power influential characteristics of the region; the regional hegemonic game in which the countries engage; the domestic and internal factors’ considerations affecting decision-making; the major internal issues at stake. Due to the complexity of the topic, the research aims to present a comprehensive analysis based on Realist and Constructivist concepts and ideas, while also delving into relevant domestic and ideological factors. This research aims to construct an analysis of the literature on the factors affecting the presence or absence of interstate war coupled with an analysis of four different events that explains that a combination of three key elements influence the decision of whether or not the two states will confront in war. The main elements most likely to affect the possibility for interstate war for Iran and Saudi Arabia are 1. Internal factors and their effects; 2. domestic institutions; 3. Their assessment of their own military powers. In order to comprehend the importance of these elements, this research will be discussing four case studies: the Iran-Iraq war; Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the 1991 Gulf War; the events of 1987; and the events of 2015 and the years that followed. The first two represent instances in which Iran and Saudi Arabia have engaged in interstate war, and the latter represent two crises in the history of these countries which have witnessed escalation but not war. By using these four events the research seeks to uncover the reasons behind each country’s decision to go to war, as well as the mechanisms kept their moves from transforming into war.

Cold War and the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Reasons for the absence of interstate war

Cold War and the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Reasons for the absence of interstate war PDF Author: Saqib Yaqoob
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 334608955X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 58

Get Book Here

Book Description
Bachelor Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Politics - Topic: Peace and Conflict, Security, grade: A, GC University, course: BA (Hons) Political Science, language: English, abstract: This research seeks to uncover the research objectives as the reasons behind the absence of interstate war from 1979 onwards between the Middle East’s most powerful rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia. It will define interstate warfare as a state of open and declared armed conflict between states or nations, resulting in a total of 1000 or more battle deaths. The research aims to present multiple aspects which require analysis: the conflict-zone orientation, external-power influential characteristics of the region; the regional hegemonic game in which the countries engage; the domestic and internal factors’ considerations affecting decision-making; the major internal issues at stake. Due to the complexity of the topic, the research aims to present a comprehensive analysis based on Realist and Constructivist concepts and ideas, while also delving into relevant domestic and ideological factors. This research aims to construct an analysis of the literature on the factors affecting the presence or absence of interstate war coupled with an analysis of four different events that explains that a combination of three key elements influence the decision of whether or not the two states will confront in war. The main elements most likely to affect the possibility for interstate war for Iran and Saudi Arabia are 1. Internal factors and their effects; 2. domestic institutions; 3. Their assessment of their own military powers. In order to comprehend the importance of these elements, this research will be discussing four case studies: the Iran-Iraq war; Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the 1991 Gulf War; the events of 1987; and the events of 2015 and the years that followed. The first two represent instances in which Iran and Saudi Arabia have engaged in interstate war, and the latter represent two crises in the history of these countries which have witnessed escalation but not war. By using these four events the research seeks to uncover the reasons behind each country’s decision to go to war, as well as the mechanisms kept their moves from transforming into war.

Iran's Rivalry with Saudi Arabia Between the Gulf Wars

Iran's Rivalry with Saudi Arabia Between the Gulf Wars PDF Author: Henner Fürtig
Publisher: Garnet & Ithaca Press
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 316

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Book Description
With ongoing international dependence on the Gulf region for oil supplies, information about the roots of the bitter rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has become increasingly important. This book examines the attitude of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the early days of Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979-80 until the Second Gulf War and its aftermath in the 1990s.

Cold War in the Middle East

Cold War in the Middle East PDF Author: Atena Panaite
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Study on Iran-Saudi Arabia relationships from 1979 until 2017, seeking to understand the lack of conventional war between the two countries.

Cold War in the Islamic World

Cold War in the Islamic World PDF Author: Dilip Hiro
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190050225
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 460

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Book Description
For four decades Saudi Arabia and Iran have vied for influence in the Muslim world. At the heart of this ongoing Cold War between Riyadh and Tehran lie the Sunni-Shia divide, and the two countries' intertwined histories. Saudis see this as a conflict between Sunni and Shia; Iran's ruling clerics view it as one between their own Islamic Republic and an illegitimate monarchy. This foundational schism has played out in a geopolitical competition for dominance in the region: Iran has expanded its influence in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, while Saudi Arabia's hyperactive crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman, has intervened in Yemen, isolated Qatar and destabilized Lebanon. Dilip Hiro examines the toxic rivalry between the two countries, tracing its roots and asking whether this Islamic Cold War is likely to end any time soon.

The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security

The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security PDF Author: W. Andrew Terrill
Publisher: Department of the Army
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
The Strategic Studies Institute is pleased to offer this monograph as a contribution to the national security debate on this important subject, as our nation continues to grapple with a variety of problems associated with the future of the Middle East and the ongoing challenge of advancing U.S. interests in a time of Middle East turbulence.

The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security

The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and the Future of Middle East Security PDF Author: Andrew Terrill
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781082491726
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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Book Description
Saudi Arabia and Iran have often behaved as serious rivals for influence in the Middle East and especially the Gulf area since at least Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War. While both nations define themselves as Islamic, the differences between their foreign policies could hardly be more dramatic. In most respects, Saudi Arabia is a regional status quo power, while Iran often seeks revolutionary change throughout the Gulf area and the wider Middle East with varying degrees of intensity. Saudi Arabia also has strong ties with Western nations, while Iran views the United States as its most dangerous enemy. Perhaps the most important difference between the two nations is that Saudi Arabia is a conservative Sunni Muslim Arab state, while Iran is a Shi'ite state whose senior politicians often view their country as the defender and natural leader of Shi'ites throughout the region. The rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran has been reflected in the politics of a number of regional states where these two powers exercise influence including Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Bahrain and others.The 2011 wave of pro-democracy and anti-regime protests known as the "Arab Spring" introduced new concerns for both Saudi Arabia and Iran to consider within the framework of their regional priorities. The Saudi-Iranian rivalry is therefore likely to intensify as a central feature in the Middle Eastern security landscape that reaches into both the Gulf region and the Arab-Israeli theater. This is a reality that will touch upon the interests of the United States in a number of situations. In many instances, Saudi opposition to Iran will serve U.S. interests, but this will not occur under all circumstances. Saudi Arabia remains a deeply anti-revolutionary state with values and priorities which sometimes overlap with those of Washington on matters of strategic interest and often conflict over matters of reform and democracy for other Middle Eastern states. Additionally, in seeking to support Middle Eastern stability, the United States must be prepared to mediate between Riyadh and Baghdad, and thereby help to limit Iranian efforts to insert itself into Iraqi politics.

Saudi-Iranian Relations Since the Fall of Saddam

Saudi-Iranian Relations Since the Fall of Saddam PDF Author: Frederic Wehrey
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 0833047108
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 157

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Book Description
This book surveys how Saudi-Iranian relations have unfolded in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine since 2003, identifying the sources of rivalry and cooperation between the two powers. Understanding and leveraging this relationship will be a critical part of U.S. efforts to promote stability after the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and to manage the regional impact of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Iran and Saudi Arabia

Iran and Saudi Arabia PDF Author: Ibrahim Fraihat
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
ISBN: 1474466206
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
Hostile relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are a major contributing factor to political instability in the Middle East. This book argues that rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh is possible and delves into the complexities of managing their long-standing conflict. By interviewing scholars and former policy makers from the Gulf region and abroad, the author draws out the core themes, strategies, and dynamics of the conflict since the American invasion of Iraq in 2003 to form a basis of an agenda for achieving peace. The result is a fresh perspective on a dangerous and unpredictable rift that affects not only its primary parties - Iran and Saudi Arabia - but also the geopolitics, economic stability and civil wars of the wider Middle Eastern region.

Maneuvering the Saudi-Iranian Rivalry in the Middle East

Maneuvering the Saudi-Iranian Rivalry in the Middle East PDF Author: Gregory Aftandilian
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781075649363
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 70

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Book Description
Iranian-Saudi tensions are at their worst level in decades. Not only are diplomatic relations broken, but also the two countries are involved in several proxy wars in the region. The United States has sided with Saudi Arabia in these disputes largely because of longstanding strategic ties to Riyadh and because it sees Iran as a regional threat and a destabilizing force in the area. However, pursuing a one-sided policy in this rivalry carries long-term risks for Washington, because the close embrace of Saudi Arabia's problematic external and internal policies, such as the war in Yemen, denigration of Shia doctrines, and human rights problems, may have an ill effect against the United States. The one-sided policy can also alienate the younger generation of Iranians who want better relations with the United States and are Iran's future. Hence, this monograph argues that U.S. policymakers should maneuver with more dexterity through the Iranian-Saudi rivalry, avoid entanglements in the Sunni-Shia sectarian conflict, and keep their eye on long-term U.S. interests, which involve bringing about stability in the region.The monograph recommends that U.S. policymakers should devote sufficient time and resources to end the proxy wars in the region, as a first step toward easing Saudi-Iranian tensions. It also recommends the facilitation of dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran to air grievances, and come to some common ground such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Although the current environment may not seem conducive to such a dialogue, it should be remembered that relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia were not always acrimonious, and the two countries have cooperated in the past. To assuage Saudi concerns that such a policy might be perceived as a U.S. tilt toward Iran, the monograph recommends more joint military exercises between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia militaries as well as the deployment of U.S. Army's Stability Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB) to the Saudi kingdom for training and defensive purposes.

Maneuvering the Saudi-Iranian Rivalry in the Middle East

Maneuvering the Saudi-Iranian Rivalry in the Middle East PDF Author: Gregory Aftandilian
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781790786565
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 70

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Book Description
This monograph examines the conflicts in the Middle East region between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the so-called proxy wars that are being fought between them, and discusses ways that the United States needs to maneuver carefully in this struggle to preserve its long-term interests in the area. Although Washington has political, economic, and strategic equities with Riyadh, it needs to think carefully about being perceived as engaging in sectarian strife that would alienate Shia allies in Iraq, show bias in its human rights policy, and anger millions of Iranian young people who want better relations with the United States.