THE IRAN-SAUDI RIVALRY AND ITS IMPACT ON REGIONAL SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COLD WAR AND POST ARAB SPRING CRISIS

Abstract

The Iran-Saudi rivalry has been a pivotal factor in shaping the
security landscape of the Middle East, with implications for
regional stability and global geopolitics. This study explores the
impact of this rivalry on regional security during two critical
periods: the Cold War era and the post-Arab spring crisis. The
objective is to analyze how the strategic competition between Iran
and Saudi Arabia evolved and how it influenced the broader
Middle Eastern security environment. A key gap in existing
literature is the lack of a comparative analysis that examines the
shifts in the rivalry's dynamics before and after the Arab Spring.
The study uses a qualitative approach, combining historical
analysis, policy reviews, and case studies of key conflicts such as
Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain. Findings reveal that while the Cold
War rivalry was largely shaped by ideological and superpower
influences, the post-Arab spring period has seen an intensification
of sectarianism, proxy wars, and regional power struggles, with
significant implications for security architecture. The conclusion
emphasizes that the rivalry continues to destabilize the region,
exacerbating conflicts and undermining cooperative security
efforts. Recommendations include fostering dialogue between
Iran and Saudi Arabia, promoting regional security frameworks,
and encouraging international diplomatic engagement to mitigate
the negative effects of the rivalry on Middle Eastern stability.