Work

Strategic Hedging in a Multipolar World: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy Transformation Under “Vision 2030”

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper employs hedging theory to examine the significant transformation in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Drawing on triangulated sources, it analyzes Riyadh’s deliberate effort to maintain strong security ties with Western partners while simultaneously cultivating broad new security relationships with key Eastern actors. The study highlights how this hedging strategy increasingly prioritizes economic and technological cooperation with non-traditional partners, particularly China. Notably, the paper argues that Saudi hedging is not a fixed or static policy but a dynamic, adaptive process shaped by pragmatic, incremental adjustments. These adjustments serve as a strategic bridge, enabling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to respond effectively to shifting geopolitical conditions and expand its influence in an evolving international environment.

Source: Journal of Liberty and International Affairs Institute for Research and European Studies - Bitola

DOI: 10.47305/jlia.2025.1937

Authors: Qining Qin, Siti Zuliha Binti Razali

Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: International Relations and Foreign Policy

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $105