Polityka regionalna Arabii Saudyjskiej w kontekście Arabskiej Wiosny

Abstract

The Arab Spring created a new context for the implementation of regional policy, but its main courses, instruments and mechanisms have remained unchanged. They include: the strategic alliance with the US, the regional rivalry with Iran and Shia influences, the leadership in propagation of political Islam, counterterrorism, funding both the ally regimes and their opposition in order to have all the scenarios covered. The actions taken by Saudi Arabia as its reaction to the Arab Spring are considered as counterrevolution. There is little hope for the new post-Arab-Spring governments for democracy or economic liberalization, unless they become independent of the Saudi funding. On the other hand, the Islamists, who are the main winners of the Arab Spring, will have to restrain their universal and development-oriented ambitions, and to face the influence of Wahhabi Islam, as Saudi Arabia will do what it takes to sustain its position as the leader in spreading political Islam. The analysis of the aspects of Saudi Arabia’s regional policy shows on one hand its ambition to be a regional power, competing with Iran, and on the other – its disability of playing this role independently of the US.