Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, cilt.4, sa.10, ss.12-18, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Over the past two decades, Saudi Arabia has
navigated a complex array of geopolitical and domestic challenges.
These include socio-political upheavals such as the Arab Spring,
deteriorating economic conditions due to falling oil prices, and
emerging national security concerns, notably in relation to Yemen.
Adding to this complexity is Saudi Arabia's evolving relationship
with its long-standing ally, the United States, a partnership that
has been a cornerstone of the Kingdom's security architecture. A
pivotal change in Saudi policy and governance has been the
ascendancy of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since 2015,
who has embarked on an ambitious program of domestic reforms
and assertive foreign policy initiatives. This article aims to provide
an analytical overview of Saudi Arabia's shifting domestic and
international landscape, focusing on the interplay between the
Crown Prince's reformist agenda and its multi-dimensional
foreign policy challenges and opportunities. It critically examines
the divergent reactions these reforms have elicited both within
Saudi Arabia and in the international community, especially the
strong support among the younger Saudi generations contrasted
with reservations and criticisms from more conservative factions.
A case in point is Saudi Arabia's ambiguous response to a recent
invitation from the BRICS nations—countries oriented against
'Western hegemony'—to join their economic bloc. Drawing upon
various policy actions and trends, this study synthesizes how these
multi-faceted changes are interconnected and contribute to a
nuanced understanding of Saudi Arabia’s current and potential
regional impact, particularly in the context of shifting global
power dynamics.