Saudi Arabia: A Changing Kingdom?

Saudi Arabia: A Changing Kingdom?

As the contours of a new Saudi Arabia emerge under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we analyse domestic and foreign policy reforms in a changing Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is arguably the most powerful Arab country, and one of the key regional powers in the Middle East today. But Saudi Arabia's importance goes far beyond the region. Its territory includes the two holiest sites in Islam – Mecca and Medina – giving the Kingdom a special global status. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is the world's most important oil exporter, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine has served to emphasise its crucial role in international energy markets. Through its Crown Prince, the contours of a new Saudi foreign policy seem to be emerging. This includes a changing and often fractious relationship with the US and the West; an increasingly warm and perhaps strategic relationship with China; and a steadfast refusal to break with Russia over its war in Ukraine – regardless of Western pressure.

Host Neil Melvin sits down with RUSI Senior Research Fellow Tobias Borck to discuss the state of Saudi Arabia's reform efforts. How is the Kingdom navigating the changing global environment, and specifically, how is it approaching its relations with global powers like the US, Russia and China? And does Europe fit into the equation at all?

Avsnitt(100)

What is Driving Turkey's Foreign and Security Policy Agenda?

What is Driving Turkey's Foreign and Security Policy Agenda?

As the Middle East is facing grave uncertainty against the backdrop of what is being called the 'Third Gulf War', Ankara is managing an uneasy relationship with Iran. Turkey is projecting itself as a ...

25 Mars 48min

The Regional and Global Significance of the US-Led Attack on Iran

The Regional and Global Significance of the US-Led Attack on Iran

The US and Israel have launched major strikes on Iran, triggering retaliation across the region and raising fears of wider war. As tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz and across the region, ...

4 Mars 54min

Is Ukraine Any Closer to Peace After Four Years of War?

Is Ukraine Any Closer to Peace After Four Years of War?

Ukraine, its European backers and the United States have drawn closer to agreeing a blueprint for peace, but various questions remain.  Can anyone accept Russian sincerity? How to treat Moscow's deman...

25 Feb 19min

Is the Trump Administration's 'Donroe' Doctrine Transforming Relations with Latin America?

Is the Trump Administration's 'Donroe' Doctrine Transforming Relations with Latin America?

Following Washington's emphasis on the Western Hemisphere in its 2025 National Security Strategy, this episode examines Cuba, Venezuela and the intensifying US-China competition in Latin America. In t...

18 Feb 53min

Greenland: A Flashpoint in Transatlantic Relations

Greenland: A Flashpoint in Transatlantic Relations

The Greenland crisis has damaged goodwill and trust between the US and Europe and has undermined perceptions of US reliability and trustworthiness. Following the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeti...

28 Jan 14min

Can the Transatlantic Alliance Survive the Trump Presidency?

Can the Transatlantic Alliance Survive the Trump Presidency?

As US–European relations face renewed strain under President Trump, this episode explores what the crisis means for NATO, European security and the United Kingdom. In this episode, Neil Melvin is join...

21 Jan 56min

How Will German Rearmament Shape European Security?

How Will German Rearmament Shape European Security?

Dr Claudia Major joins Neil Melvin to discuss Germany's rearmament drive and its implications for European and transatlantic security. Germany is undertaking the most significant overhaul of its defen...

14 Jan 53min

The View from Doha 2025

The View from Doha 2025

Dr Burcu Ozcelik and Nicholas Hopton join Neil Melvin to discuss key insights from the Doha Forum and the shifting Middle East security landscape. In this episode, recorded at the Doha Forum 2025, Nei...

10 Dec 202556min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

aftonbladet-krim
rss-krimstad
p3-krim
svenska-fall
spar
aftonbladet-daily
flashback-forever
politiken
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-expressen-dok
motiv
rss-vad-fan-hande
rss-krimreportrarna
blenda-2
ett-rent-noje
grans
kungligt
rss-aftonbladet-krim
svd-ledarredaktionen
rss-frandfors-horna