Realistic and Identity Dimensions of Saudi Arabia Policies towards the Syrian Developments

With the onset of chaos in Syria, Saudi Arabia contrary to its anti-revolutionary positions on the past, has been supporting different political and religious actors based on the interests and identities of the kingdom. So, Saudi Arabia has followed Syria's developments with special precision and sensitivity and as an actor and major regional power, tried to take supportive positions from opponents of the Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria in order to shape the strategic environment and maintain its national and regional interests. The purpose of the present study is to identify different dimensions and angles shaping the Saudi Arabia's policies and positions towards the Syrian crisis.

This article based on two theories of structural realism and constructivism and using descriptive-analytical method, examines Saudi Arabia's position on the Syrian crisis.

Saudi Arabia's foreign policy towards Syrian developments was examined on the basis of two theories of constructivism and structural realism. The findings indicates that the transnational behavior of this political system, simultaneously has been influenced by the foundations of identity (typical and role identity) and the realities of the regional and international environment.

The findings of this study indicate that dominant identity elements in the Saudi kingdom and the perception that this country has its role in the region along with the interests of the political system and attempting to maximize its security and changing the balance of power, has been effective on its foreign policy orientation towards the Syrian crisis.