The Strategic Calculus of MBS’s Foreign Policy in a Turbulent Middle East

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze his strategies through application of balancing and over-balancing paradigms of neoclassical realism. This research is also an attempt to examine what are the foreign policy interests of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East especially in the context of two perennial conflicts. This study employs descriptive and historic approach to analyze the Saudi Arabia interest in middle east, furthermore primary and secondary data used to justify the argument. Since the discovery of oil, Saudia Arabia has become the apple of the eye of global powers. Being well aware of its significance in the region as well as global level, the Kingdom has strategically used its foreign policy to maintain win-win situation but at some intervals it had to face backlash as well due to its absolute centralized power, control over media and human rights issues. Emergence of Muhammad Bin Salman has once again brought Saudia Arabia in the lime light.