Saudi Arabia and Regional order: from Hegemony to Balancing

Developments in the Arab world after the Arab Arab uprisings in 2011 Played a major role in transformation of saudi Arabia's foreign policy. The reign of Salman is considered an important turning point in changing the direction of Riyadh's foreign policy from conservative to an active and aggressive approach. The main question here is that what's the main objectives and desires that Saudi Arabia pursues a bout regional order in the new situation? Another question is about Saudi capacities and opportunities or its obstacles and challenges to pursue his objectives. The main finding of this article is that Saudi Arabia has defined its objectives for regional order in three levels or layers: Hard hegemony in the peripheral environment or the Arabian Peninsula; Soft hegemony in the Arab world and; Balancing in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has several capabilities and opportunities to achieve its objectives, Including capabilities of national power, opportunities arising from regional crisis and international relations and supports. But in sum the main obstacles ahead are Structural Weaknesses, the role of saudi's regional Rivals and the Fragility of regional relations and conditions.