An Explanation of the Impact of Identity Notion on Divergence between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia

This article seeks to investigate relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia on the basis of identity factor within the framework of constructivism, and particularly to explain the impact of identity notions on divergence between the two nations. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has persistently pursued a hostile policy towards Iran following the advent of the Iranian Islamic Revolution. Although this policy has seen ups and downs within the past three decades, the hostile nature of the policy has persisted. A glance at bilateral relations since 1925 demonstrates that mutual ties have been overshadowed by conflict and divergence and even signs of tension could be seen in periods of cooperation between the two sides. This article tests the hypothesis that identity-based notions and perceptions have caused the Saudi-Iranian relations to move towards divergence.