Responding to Iran’s Influence? A Comparative Account of Saudi Foreign Policy Behavior towards Bahrain and Yemen since 2011

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 International Relations (IR) Theory / Hypotheses

1.1 Realism

1.2 Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA)

1.3 Hypotheses

2 The Case of Bahrain

2.1 Saudi-Bahraini links

2.2 Iranian-Bahraini links

2.3 The uprising in 2011

2.4 Saudi policies towards Bahrain

3 The Case of Yemen

3.1 Saudi-Yemeni links

3.2 Iranian-Yemeni links

3.3 The war in Yemen

3.4 Saudi policies towards Yemen

4 Evaluation of Hypotheses

5 Conclusion

6 Bibliography

7 Online Sources

Research Objectives and Themes

This master thesis investigates the foreign policy behavior of Saudi Arabia towards Bahrain and Yemen since 2011, examining whether these actions were primarily reactive to Iranian influence or driven by domestic and other systemic factors.

• Comparative analysis of Saudi foreign policy towards Bahrain and Yemen
• Testing Realist IR theoretical concepts against empirical developments
• Investigation of Iranian influence and its perception by the Saudi leadership
• Examination of the role of sectarianism versus power-political motives

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: Provides the context of the regional "Cold War" between Saudi Arabia and Iran and outlines the scope of the study regarding events in Bahrain and Yemen since 2011.

1 International Relations (IR) Theory / Hypotheses: Establishes the theoretical framework by discussing Realism and Foreign Policy Analysis and presents the specific hypotheses to be tested.

2 The Case of Bahrain: Analyzes the political and security relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, focusing on the 2011 uprising and the Saudi assessment of Iranian involvement.

3 The Case of Yemen: Explores the Saudi-Yemeni relations, the rise of the Houthi movement, and the subsequent military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition.

4 Evaluation of Hypotheses: Reviews the previously formulated hypotheses against the empirical findings to determine if they hold true or need revision.

5 Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings of the study, emphasizing the role of power politics and state security over religious ideology in guiding Saudi foreign policy.

6 Bibliography: Contains the full list of academic sources and literature used for the research.

7 Online Sources: Lists the web-based reports, news articles, and documents cited in the thesis.

Keywords

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain, Yemen, Foreign Policy, Regional Hegemony, Realism, Sectarianism, Houthi Movement, Arab Spring, Regime Security, Proxy Conflict, Middle East, Geopolitics, Military Intervention

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this thesis?

This work explores Saudi Arabia's foreign policy behavior toward Bahrain and Yemen since the beginning of the Arab Spring in 2011.

What are the primary themes discussed?

The manuscript covers the "Cold War" between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the influence of Realist theory on foreign policy, sectarian dynamics, and the impact of domestic versus regional political factors.

What is the main objective or research question?

The thesis aims to assess whether Saudi foreign policy interventions in Bahrain and Yemen were essentially reactions to Iranian influence or whether they were motivated by other, perhaps more significant, domestic or systemic drivers.

Which scientific method is utilized in the study?

The author employs a comparative approach, utilizing the framework of Realist and Neoclassical Realist international relations theory as well as Foreign Policy Analysis to examine political behavior.

What does the main body focus on?

The main body is divided into two primary case studies, providing a detailed look at the internal and external political environment, the specific historical links to Iran, and the evolution of Saudi policy in both Bahrain and Yemen.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain, Yemen, Regional Hegemony, Realism, Sectarianism, Proxy Conflict, and Regime Security.

How does the author define "influence" in the context of this study?

The author defines influence as the modification of one actor's behavior by that of another, based on the work of political scientists Cox and Jacobson.

What conclusion does the author draw regarding Iranian influence in Bahrain?

The author concludes that while there was fear of Iranian interference, the 2011 uprising in Bahrain was primarily a domestic protest movement, and the Saudi response was largely driven by a Realist concern for maintaining the status quo.

What perspective does the author offer on the Houthi movement in Yemen?

The author argues that while the Houthis have established ties to Iran, they are an indigenous movement whose rise was primarily due to internal Yemeni factors, with Iranian support acting as a consequence rather than a cause.

What does the author suggest about future Saudi foreign policy?

The author suggests that Saudi Arabia faces significant pressure to manage domestic economic reforms (Vision 2030) and that the failure of military intervention to achieve quick victories may necessitate more realistic, diplomatic approaches to regional security.