Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Türkiye Ortadoğu Çalışmaları Dergisi, cilt.10, sa.1, ss.15-43, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
This article employs the theory of constructivism to examine how Saudism, Bedouin/tribal identity, Wahabism, the geopolitics of Saudi Arabia, and its rentier state identity affect the country’s foreign policy determination process. Social constructivism theory suggests that social identities determine national interests and policies. This study aims to analyze the semantic transformations within Saudi Arabia’s identity and their effects on contemporary politics, along with the country’s geopolitical standing and the resulting strategic directions. A comprehensive framework of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is drawn from various approaches to the identities mentioned. Analyzing the historical and geopolitical narrative of events and concepts that define Saudi identity by using constructivist theory helps us understand how these identities impact Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy in international relations. This study provides insights into the complexities of Saudi Arabia’s identity and foreign policy, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of social identities in national interests and policies. Constructivist theory combined with regional studies will enable a more effective analysis of the different identities and policies in international relations.