This research seeks to uncover the research objectives as the reasons behind the absence of interstate war from 1979 onwards between the Middle East’s most powerful rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia. It will define interstate warfare as a state of open and declared armed conflict between states or nations, resulting in a total of 1000 or more battle deaths. The research aims to present multiple aspects which require analysis: the conflict-zone orientation, external-power influential characteristics of the region; the regional hegemonic game in which the countries engage; the domestic and internal factors’ considerations affecting decision-making; the major internal issues at stake.
Due to the complexity of the topic, the research aims to present a comprehensive analysis based on Realist and Constructivist concepts and ideas, while also delving into relevant domestic and ideological factors. This research aims to construct an analysis of the literature on the factors affecting the presence or absence of interstate war coupled with an analysis of four different events that explains that a combination of three key elements influence the decision of whether or not the two states will confront in war. The main elements most likely to affect the possibility for interstate war for Iran and Saudi Arabia are 1. Internal factors and their effects; 2. domestic institutions; 3. Their assessment of their own military powers. In order to comprehend the importance of these elements, this research will be discussing four case studies: the Iran-Iraq war; Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the 1991 Gulf War; the events of 1987; and the events of 2015 and the years that followed. The first two represent instances in which Iran and Saudi Arabia have engaged in interstate war, and the latter represent two crises in the history of these countries which have witnessed escalation but not war. By using these four events the research seeks to uncover the reasons behind each country’s decision to go to war, as well as the mechanisms kept their moves from transforming into war.
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Research Objectives
1.2 Significance of Research
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Chapterization
1.5 Research Methodology
1.6 Research Design
2. Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
3. Chapter 3: Foreign Policy of Iran and Saudia Arabia
3.1 Iran’s Aim and Perspective
3.2 Saudia Arabia’s Aims and Perspectives
4. Chapter 4: The War Period
4.1 Iraq-Iran War
4.2 The Gulf War
5. Chapter 5: The Escalation of Crisis
5.1 1987 crisis
6. Chapter 6: Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This research aims to identify the underlying reasons for the absence of direct interstate warfare between Iran and Saudi Arabia from 1979 to the present, despite their intense geopolitical and sectarian rivalry. By examining historical case studies and the internal political dynamics of both nations, the study explores how various constraints prevent the escalation of their "Cold War" into full-scale military conflict.
- Analysis of internal factors including religion, ideology, and economic interests.
- Evaluation of domestic institutions and their role in foreign policy decision-making.
- Assessment of military capabilities and the strategic implications of perceived limitations.
- Case studies of the Iran-Iraq War, the First Gulf War, and subsequent crises in 1987 and 2015.
Excerpt from the Book
Chapter 1: Introduction
“Relations between Riyadh and Tehran have gradually deteriorated since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, and, despite intermediate periods of comparative quiescence, in recent years the Cold War has transformed into proxy wars in various theaters such as Yemen, Syria and Iraq.” “The hegemonic aspirations of Iran, coinciding with the ascent and assertiveness of the Saudia Arabia, Iran’s regional entanglement, the deterioration of the relationship between the US and Iran and the role of Russia, further exacerbated an already highly combustible situation of Middle East.”
Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, a grave paradigm change has occurred in the Middle East. Since then, the Middle East has two major power players, Iran and Saudia Arabia. “The rivalry between both countries due to various political, social, and religious reasons, have embarked on the Middle East on an onset of proxy warfare yet avoiding the direct war between each other.”
The rivalry between Sunni Arab monarchy and Shia Persian theocracy has been labelled as sectarian conflict more than a political one. At core, however, the rivalry composes of the hegemonic struggle in the region whether it’s politically, economically or militarily motivated. The Kingdom of Saudia Arabia (KSA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran are both rivals in the most strained and extremely perplexed region, where the fight for dominance is unprecedented.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: Introduction: Provides the foundation of the study by outlining the research problem, objectives, and the significance of the Iran-Saudi rivalry.
Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: Reviews key international relations theories like Realism and Constructivism and applies them to the context of the Middle East.
Chapter 3: Foreign Policy of Iran and Saudia Arabia: Details the government structures, aims, and perspectives of both nations in the international realm.
Chapter 4: The War Period: Examines the Iran-Iraq War and the First Gulf War as case studies to understand the factors leading to or preventing interstate conflict.
Chapter 5: The Escalation of Crisis: Analyzes the 1987 Hajj crisis and the 2015-present diplomatic tensions as examples of regional escalation without direct war.
Chapter 6: Conclusion: Synthesizes the research findings to confirm that internal instability and negative military assessments act as deterrents to direct warfare.
Keywords
Cold War, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Interstate War, Foreign Policy, Geopolitics, Sectarianism, Proxy Wars, Realism, Constructivism, Domestic Institutions, Military Assessment, Hajj Crisis, Gulf War
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The research focuses on explaining why Iran and Saudi Arabia, despite their intense rivalry since 1979, have consistently avoided engaging in direct interstate warfare.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include regional hegemony, the impact of internal factors like ideology and economics, the influence of domestic institutions, and the assessment of military power as a deterrent.
What is the main research question or goal?
The primary goal is to determine the factors—such as internal state dynamics and military limitations—that keep the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia at the level of proxy conflicts rather than direct war.
Which scientific methods are utilized in this study?
The research employs a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing qualitative analysis of secondary sources, reports, and existing theories of international relations.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers a theoretical framework, detailed analysis of the foreign policies of both countries, and specific case studies including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and diplomatic crises in 1987 and 2015.
Which keywords define this research?
The key concepts include regional hegemony, geopolitical rivalry, sectarianism, realist and constructivist theories, and the dynamics of domestic decision-making institutions.
How do domestic institutions influence the possibility of war?
The research suggests that regimes with complex, civilian-based domestic institutions are generally less likely to engage in direct interstate war compared to purely personalist regimes.
What role does the "negative assessment of military power" play?
Both Iran and Saudi Arabia often prefer a negative or cautious assessment of their own military capacities, which serves to deter them from taking actions that could lead to open, destructive conflict.
- Citation du texte
- Saqib Yaqoob (Auteur), 2018, Cold War and the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Reasons for the absence of interstate war, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/512074
