The Saudi-Iranian antagonism: the case of Yemen

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to focus on the regional antagonism between Saudi Arabia and Iran and examine how it influences the balance of power in the Mediterranean. How does this competition affect the developments in the regional sub-system of the Middle East and what has been the role of the two states in intra-state conflicts? Our central research question is stated as follows: Why do regional powers utilize proxy wars and indirect conflict in their quest to satisfy their national interests and acquire a leadership position in a sub-system? Saudi Arabia and Iran have indirectly intervened in the domestic politics of neighboring countries by supporting their affiliated, often insurgent, groups to increase their influence in the region and have projected their own national interests in their foreign policy regarding neighboring states. That has been the case with Yemen where Riyadh and Tehran support opposing powers in the ongoing civil war in the country, while their involvement has played a vital role in the prolongation and escalation of the conflict. In this thesis we investigate the reasons why states intervene in local conflicts, we examine the levels of the Saudi-Iranian antagonism and focus on its consequences on the case of Yemen.