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| Title | Abstract | Action(s) |
|---|---|---|
| SAUDI ARABIA-IRAN RIVALRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN AND ITS ROLE IN RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT (2015-2020) | This study focuses on the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran and its implications for Pakistan. It has been observed that the rivalry between the two states is rooted in political, historical, ethnic, and religious ideologies. These diverging interests have shaped the behavior of the two states in their interaction with each other and within the Middle Eastern region. Building on the theoretical premises of Neo-Classical Realism, this study has applied qualitative research methodology to get a conceptual clarity of the issue. While employing the historical, descriptive, explanatory, and analytical methods of qualitative research methodology, this study sees the changing dynamics of bilateral relations as shaped by domestic and international factors. Given Pakistan’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran based on religious affiliation and geographic proximity, respectively, it is argued here that the nature of the Saudi-Iran bilateral relationships, as well as their foreign policy approaches, have directly or indirectly affected Pakistan. Through the prism of the Balance of Interest theory, Pakistan’s foreign policy is to balance its relations with two rivals and simultaneously work on strategies to mitigate the tension between the two. However, due to the sectarian divide and race of hegemony in the region between the two states, Pakistan has been struggling to settle the internal challenges linked with sectarianism, extremism, and economic snags. Key Words: Saudi Arabia, Rivalry, Iran, Pakistan, Middle East. |
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| SAUDI ARABIA-IRAN RIVALRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN AND ITS ROLE IN RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT (2015-2020) | This study focuses on the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran and its implications for Pakistan. It has been observed that the rivalry between the two states is rooted in political, historical, ethnic, and religious ideologies. These diverging interests have shaped the behavior of the two states in their interaction with each other and within the Middle Eastern region. Building on the theoretical premises of Neo-Classical Realism, this study has applied qualitative research methodology to get a conceptual clarity of the issue. While employing the historical, descriptive, explanatory, and analytical methods of qualitative research methodology, this study sees the changing dynamics of bilateral relations as shaped by domestic and international factors. Given Pakistan’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran based on religious affiliation and geographic proximity, respectively, it is argued here that the nature of the Saudi-Iran bilateral relationships, as well as their foreign policy approaches, have directly or indirectly affected Pakistan. Through the prism of the Balance of Interest theory, Pakistan’s foreign policy is to balance its relations with two rivals and simultaneously work on strategies to mitigate the tension between the two. However, due to the sectarian divide and race of hegemony in the region between the two states, Pakistan has been struggling to settle the internal challenges linked with sectarianism, extremism, and economic snags. Key Words: Saudi Arabia, Rivalry, Iran, Pakistan, Middle East. |
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