Regional Competition between Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Syria within the Framework of Constructivism - Realism Approach

This paper tries to discuss the nature of Iran and Saudi Arabia''s competition in Syria by employing descriptive-analytical approach. Saudi Arabia believes that Iranian action in Syria is associated with the project of Shiite Crescent¡ Thus they will see Iran as a threat for their future influence in the region. Thus¡ the main research question is what is Semantic significance of Syrian crisis for two competing discourses? The proposed hypothesis in this paper is that the perusing contradictory objective and interests by two involving parties are the main grounds leading to hostility between two nations. Findings show that conflict between two nations is grounded in contradictory objectives held by two parties in the region as a whole and in Syria in particular. Findings also show that¡ based on power politics framework¡ each of two nations try to increase and solidify their power and that of their allies in the region and be the dominant force.