Abstract

This thesis examines the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the Arab Spring that erupted in early in several Arab countries, and how Saudi Arabia dealt with these events. The reactions of Saudi Arabia towards the events of the Arab Spring seem contradictory in the sense of effectively supporting the regimes in Bahrain and Egypt whilst supporting the opposition in Libya and Syria. Several research questions are raised in this thesis, therefore this study attempts to provide answers on how a conservative status quo like the Kingdom serves its objectives in a revolutionary environment, and why Saudi Arabia applies these apparent contradictory measures in dealing with the Arab Spring. This study uses Neoclassical Realist approach to study the foreign policy behavior of Saudi Arabia towards the Arab Spring, and how Saudi Arabia dealt with the threats unleashed by the Arab Spring. Lastly, the conclusion of this thesis tests the hypotheses and offers a comprehensive understating of the Saudi reaction towards the Arab Spring from a Neoclassical Realist perspective.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

6-1-2015

Submission Date

May 2015

First Advisor

Soltan, Gamal Abdel Gawad

Committee Member 1

Bahi, Riham

Committee Member 2

Fishere, Ezzedine

Extent

125 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Saudi Arabia -- Foreign relations -- 21st century.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Saudi Arabia -- Foreign relations -- Syria.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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