Arab Spring and Saudi Arabia: Effects and Reactions

The new developments in the Middle East have brought about significant consequences. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia as one of the important countries in the region has been affected both internally and regionally by these developments and it has also reacted to them. Explaining the logic behind the new developments occurring in Saudi surrounding area, this article seeks to analyze Saudi conducts and policies. The author argues that recent developments in the Middle East in the domestic dimension including Shia demands, succession question, women’s issues, social freedoms, human rights questions and most importantly the challenge of legitimacy and in regional aspect, the fall of strategic allies, weakening of the moderation axis, the emergence of new variables and the rise of democratic wave all have affected Saudi place as a key regional player. Saudis reacted to these developments by military intervention in Bahrain, intervention in Yemeni affairs, adopting an aggressive attitude towards Syria and initiating a wave of Iranophobia in the region. These reactions, in the final assessment, might bring about further challenges in the surrounding area and legitimacy crisis for the country.