Faṣlnāmah-i Pizhūhish/hā-yi Rāhburdī-i Siyāsat (May 2015)
Analysis of the Conflicts in the Relations of Iran and Saudi Arabia from the Perspective of Constructivism Theory
Abstract
Regarding the geopolitical position and geographical features, Iran and Saudi Arabia can be considered as two important states in the region. From the early 1950s, the two started rivalries in the Persian Gulf region. Tension and conflict between the two countries rose, in the second Phalavi era, and because of the symmetry of the sphere of influence of the two, continuous level of tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been experienced. This rivalry, along with a number of material and ideological factors strained relations between Tehran and Riyadh. Iran, especially after the Islamic Revolution has influence among Muslim countries in the region, and the Shiite ideological orientation challenged Saudi Wahhabi ideology. Furthermore, ethnic ties and geopolitical competition in the region, with regard to the power and hegemonic matters, has increased tension between the two countries. This study, with analytical methodology is orchestrated according to the theory of Constructivism and attempts to examine the main causes of conflict in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Results shows that the absence of common three concepts of "normativity", "images" and "identity" between Iran and Saudi Arabia, in addition to geopolitical-based competitions are a significant causes of tention in relations between Tehran and Riyadh.
