SAUDI-IRAN RIVALRY: A SECTARIAN DIVIDE OR SECURITY DILEMMA?

Authors

  • Junaid Jahandad National Defence University
  • Ali Mustafa National Defence University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54690/jcs.v11i2.235

Keywords:

Saudi-Iran Rivalry, Sectarian Schism, Security Dilemma, Constructivism

Abstract

This paper examines two major drivers of conflictual relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran : sectarian schism and power politics. The protracted enmity and rivalry has been analyzed in light of uncertainty and security dilemma through the prism of constructivism. The application of the theoretical lens provides clarity and supersedes the reductionist analysis of this squabble. The inception of the Shia-Sunni schism and Saudi-Iran rivalry has been investigated in greater length. Within this context, the deterioration of relations due to Saddam Hussein’s demise, the Arab Spring, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr’s execution, and the impact of Trump’s administration in the US have also been examined. Conclusively, this paper argues that security dilemma and uncertainty of each other’s actions is the driving force and primary cause of Saudi-Iran rivalry rather than sectarian divide.

Author Biographies

Junaid Jahandad, National Defence University

Lecturer at the Department of Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad. Email: junaidjhandad@ndu.edu.pk

Ali Mustafa, National Defence University

A graduate of Middlebury of International Studies at Monterey and a former faculty member at the Department of Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad. Email: Alimustafa@ndu.edu.pk

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Published

28-02-2023

How to Cite

Jahandad, Junaid, and Ali Mustafa. 2023. “SAUDI-IRAN RIVALRY: A SECTARIAN DIVIDE OR SECURITY DILEMMA?”. Journal of Contemporary Studies 11 (2):86-101. https://doi.org/10.54690/jcs.v11i2.235.