A comparative analysis of the Saudi Arabia and UAE's foreign policies towards the Yemen and Syria wars

This study examines the foreign policy strategies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the protracted crises in Yemen and Syria, analyzing the factors driving both convergence and divergence in their approaches. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of neoclassical realism and ontological security, the study investigates how systemic pressures—such as regional rivalries and the shifting balance of power—intersect with domestic-level factors, including regime security imperatives, leadership styles, and national identity aspirations, to shape the foreign policy behavior of these two Gulf states. Through a cross-comparative analysis and process tracing methodology, the research explores how Saudi Arabia and the UAE have navigated these conflicts. In Yemen, the study illustrates how initial alignment within the Saudi-led coalition unraveled due to differing priorities: Saudi Arabia emphasized territorial integrity and countering Iranian influence, while the UAE prioritized strategic control over southern Yemen and key maritime routes, motivated by concerns over regional stability and economic interests. In Syria, the analysis highlights Saudi Arabia's transition from supporting opposition groups to a more pragmatic engagement with the Assad regime, contrasted with the UAE's earlier diplomatic re-engagement to foster stability and economic reconstruction. The findings underscore the role of regional aspirations, alliance strategies, and threat perceptions in shaping the policies of both states. The thesis demonstrates that while Saudi Arabia and the UAE share overlapping security concerns and goals, their distinct approaches are deeply influenced by their respective interpretations of national interests, identity, and regional leadership. These distinct approaches, shaped by divergent interpretations of security threats and national aspirations, have significant implications for Gulf cooperation, the trajectories of the Yemen and Syria conflicts, and the broader regional order. By employing the lenses of neoclassical realism and ontological security, this thesis provides a nuanced understanding of how systemic factors and domestic imperatives interact to shape state behavior. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of alliance politics, regime survival strategies, and regional security in the multipolar Middle East, contributing to the broader discourse on the foreign policy behavior of authoritarian states.