The Role of Great Powers in Iran-Saudi Rivalry

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Shiraz University-Shiraz-Iran

Abstract

The Middle East and the Persian Gulf have witnessed an escalation in conflict and instability over the past few years where tense relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has had an undeniable effect in creating such a situation. From Iraq to Syria and from Lebanon to Yemen, the two countries have been competing with each other. Furthermore, Tehran-Riyadh disagreement over energy strategy and nuclear activities has been other source of tension and confrontation between the two countries. There is a concern among researchers that how this crisis can be managed. While some scholars see hegemony of a superpower like the United States or a regional power as the best solution to handle this challenge and the others believe that collective security system is the best option, the research aims to illustrate balancing is the most possible and realistic scenario in the Iran-Saudi Arabia rivalry for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, first we canvass these two regional powers rivalry in historical context and then offer practical implications and recommendations to change the status quo and reach to the more stable region. The research method would be descriptive-analytical and the data is provided from library and Internet sources.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Article Title [فارسی]

نقش قدرت‌های بزرگ در رقابت ایران و عربستان سعودی

Author [فارسی]

  • محمدرضا چیت سازیان
- ایران دانشگاه شیراز-شیراز

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Iranian Review of Foreign Affairs
Volume 11, Issue 31 - Serial Number 1
Winter and Spring 2020
Pages 251-276

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  • Receive Date: 15 February 2021
  • Accept Date: 15 February 2021

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