Foreign policy shift makes Kingdom a pivotal global player

In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy has reflected a remarkable blend of realism and adaptability, allowing the Kingdom to navigate the complex dynamics of an evolving global landscape. Against the backdrop of intensified strategic competition among major powers — which has escalated into overt conflict — Saudi Arabia has successfully repositioned itself as a pivotal player in both regional and international contexts.

This paradigm shift in Saudi foreign policy has stemmed from a confluence of profound internal reforms and external pressures. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has championed a pragmatic and interest-oriented approach, primarily articulated through the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. This vision seeks not only economic diversification but also a substantial transformation of the Kingdom’s international posture. A key achievement has been liberating Saudi foreign policy from historical constraints, enabling the country to adopt a more assertive role in regional affairs, where it now embraces the responsibility of leading efforts toward security and stability.

Externally, Saudi Arabia’s new direction arises largely from the regional chaos precipitated by the Arab Spring, which has left many neighboring countries embroiled in instability and conflict. This turmoil has fostered chaos, terrorism, and sectarianism — problems that stand in stark contrast to the Kingdom’s vision for its immediate region. Nations both near and far have sought to leverage this disorder for their own ends, extending influence through non-state actors, and exacerbating sectarian divides to further their agendas in the Arab world.

Riyadh has embraced a leadership role amid a sensitive geopolitical environment

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami

Recognizing the heightened responsibility that came with these challenges, Saudi Arabia has shifted its strategic posture. The US, which historically bore considerable security responsibility in the region, has pivoted its focus toward Southeast Asia to contain China’s rise, leaving the Kingdom to confront these challenges with less reliance on Washington. Through this lens, Riyadh has embraced a leadership role amid a sensitive geopolitical environment.

At the international level, major transformations are manifest. Events such as the Ukraine conflict, Israel’s military actions in Gaza, tensions over Taiwan between the US and China, and competition over international shipping routes and resources indicate deep-seated changes. These developments suggest a growing sentiment among countries that the current unipolar international system is overdue for reassessment, fostering a desire to create a more multipolar framework where resources and power are distributed more equitably.

Faced with these internal and external factors, Saudi Arabia has sought to formulate a foreign policy centered on diversifying partnerships and achieving a greater degree of independence in determining its priorities. The Kingdom now endeavors to engage with a variety of global powers without being confined to the rigid agendas of any single nation. Moreover, it has distanced itself from the polarization and alignments promoted by international powers, striving instead for regional stability that serves as a foundation for future development and cooperation.

One of the significant outcomes of this strategic pivot is the Kingdom’s rising regional influence. Through diplomatic initiatives aimed at settling disputes, Saudi Arabia has managed to mitigate regional chaos. This is evident in its efforts to re-establish ties with Iran, encouraging a reassessment of the latter’s regional interventionist policies. Riyadh’s active engagement with other nations also positions it as a mediating force in various regional conflicts, thereby reinforcing the notion that it is an essential player in maintaining both security and stability in the Middle East.

On an even broader scale, Saudi Arabia has redefined its role as a critical strategic partner not only within the Arab world, but also in relation to regions such as Central Asia and Africa. By fostering relationships through leadership summits and collaborative projects, it has underscored its commitment to enhancing cooperation across diverse fronts. In Africa, for example, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant developmental player, strengthening its ties with various nations while acting as a mediator in regional disputes. Notably, its engagement with North African countries highlights the Kingdom’s proactive approach to fostering stability and promoting collaborative governance.

Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic maneuvers illustrate a commitment that transcends typical regional power dynamics. The Kingdom has skillfully redefined its relationship with Washington, transitioning it to one grounded in mutual interests and respect. Simultaneously, Riyadh has expanded its partnerships with Asian powers, particularly China and Japan, integrating initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road into its development strategies, including Vision 2030.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s interest in joining organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS reflects its desire to position itself as a vital player in international multilateral frameworks. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Kingdom has managed to maintain a cooperative relationship with Russia, demonstrating its capability to act as a mediator in international disputes while carefully balancing its ties with multiple powers.

Through its strategic approach to global energy markets, Saudi Arabia has established itself as a key player, managing production levels to ensure stability in energy supplies while resisting external pressures. This has afforded the Kingdom a notable degree of independence in its energy policy, signifying its ability to act on behalf of its national interests without yielding to outside demands.

Through diplomatic initiatives, Saudi Arabia has managed to mitigate regional chaos

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami

In summary, several key observations emerge from Saudi Arabia’s contemporary foreign policy direction:

Strengthened self-perception: The new Saudi foreign policy reflects a robust self-assessment regarding the potential role the Kingdom seeks to play on the global stage. This deliberate trajectory appears sustainable, built on a resilient foundation rooted in principles of diversification and independence while rejecting polarization.

Awareness of global dynamics: Saudi leadership displays a keen understanding of the current international and regional landscapes and the opportunities and challenges they present. There is a strong conviction that balance within the global power structure is imperative for ensuring peace and security, as the lack of balance has historically contributed to conflict.

Breaking away from dependency: The Kingdom has skillfully distanced itself from a sole dependence on the US, initiating a transformation in the dynamics of its international relationships characterized by mutual respect and interest, thus enhancing its diplomatic leverage.

Commitment to neutrality: Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to avoiding entanglements in international or regional polarization. Its relationships with other nations are rooted in mutual benefit rather than alignment against shared adversaries.

Consistent strategic vision: Saudi policy is characterized by a focus on establishing a stable and central role for the Kingdom globally. This focus enhances its credibility and effectiveness in foreign relations, ensuring that external pressures will not dictate its diplomatic choices.

In conclusion, as an influential regional and global player, Saudi Arabia has carved out a distinctive path in international relations that enables it to prioritize its national interests. Through a focus on multilateral engagement and the diversification of its partnerships, the Kingdom has demonstrated its capacity to respond dynamically to both domestic and international challenges. This strategic approach positions Saudi Arabia as a pivotal actor in shaping the future of global and regional orders, firmly cementing its status as a leading power in the Arab and Islamic world.

• Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami is the founder and president of the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah). X: @mohalsulami