1. 8. 2023

This episode of The IR thinker examines Saudi Arabia’s evolving national identity and foreign policy with Dr Aziz Alghashian, focusing on its self-perception as defender of the Muslim world, custodian of Mecca and an often misunderstood actor in Western diplomacy. The discussion explores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s influence on Saudi identity, the implications of the Abraham Accords, relations with Israel, Syria and Iran, debates over regional security architectures, and the kingdom’s role in energy transition and counterterrorism.

Aziz Alghashian

Dr Aziz Alghashian is a Saudi scholar of Middle Eastern politics who specialises in Saudi foreign policy, particularly Saudi policy towards Israel and wider Arab–Israeli relations. He obtained his PhD in International Relations from the University of Essex in 2019 and has taught International Relations, Politics and Middle Eastern Studies for several years. His research focuses on the often subtle and informal forms of Saudi–Israeli engagement, and he regularly provides expert commentary for media outlets such as France 24, Sky, the BBC, Forces TV and Russia Today.

Content

00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - Saudi Arabia’s Role as Muslim World’s Defender
05:31 - Custodianship of Mecca: Saudi Arabia’s Responsibility
10:15 - Western Diplomacy with Saudi Arabia: A Misunderstood Approach?
13:41 - Mohammed bin Salman: The Man Behind Saudi Identity
16:23 - National Support for Mohammed bin Salman
19:02 - Misconceptions about Saudi Identity in the West and Asia
20:56 - The Abraham Accords: Repercussions for the Middle East
26:16 - The Saudi-Israel Relationship
31:49 - Divisions in Israeli Society: Implications for Saudi Foreign Policy
37:07 - The Palestinian Dilemma: Why Isn’t Saudi Arabia Doing More?
41:34 - The Saudi-Syrian Relationship
46:38 - Saudi-Iranian Power Dynamics
50:28 - Impact of the Assad Regime on Saudi Politics
54:16 - Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Regime Change in Iran
57:12 - A Security Pact for the Middle East
01:00:51 - Belt and Road Initiative: Saudi Arabia’s Involvement
01:03:33 - Saudi Arabia and the BRICS Nations
01:06:46 - Saudi Arabia’s Journey Towards Sustainable Energy
01:11:14 - Saudi Arabia’s Role in Counterterrorism Efforts