*
Table of Contents *
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Preface *
Chapter 1: Theorising Saudi-Iranian Relations *
Introduction *
The conceptual framework *
The Individual Level of Analysis *
Group Decision-Making *
State-Level Analysis *
Political Regimes and Foreign Policy *
Institutional Actors and Structures *
National Role Concept and National Interests *
The System Level of Analysis *
Realism and the Middle East Sub-System *
The alignments and alliances patterns *
Marxist theories, oil and American intervention in the region *
Appropriateness of International Relations Theories to this Study *
Foreign Policy Behaviours and Outcomes *
Foreign Policy Behaviour *
Foreign Policy Outcomes *
Conclusion *
Chapter 2: The Foreign Policy of Iran *
Introduction *
The Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Life, Personality and Political Perceptions *
Domestic Structures, Actors and Foreign Policymaking in Iran *
The Nature and Stability of the Iranian Regime *
The Supreme Leader *
The Supreme National Security Council *
The Foreign Ministry and Diplomatic Service *
Iranian Parliament (Majlis) *
Informal Institutions and Actors *
The political factions *
The clerical establishment *
The Iranian armed forces *
Group Decision-Making in Iranian Foreign Policy *
Iranian Foreign Policy Orientation *
Conclusion *
Chapter 3: The Foreign Policy of Saudi Arabia *
Introduction *
King Abdullah's Personality and Perceptions *
The Saudi Political System *
The Royal Family and Foreign Policy *
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Service *
The Saudi National Security Council *
The Consultative Assembly (Majlis Al-Shura) *
The Religious Establishment (Ulema) *
The Foreign Policy Decision Making Process *
The Saudi Foreign Policy Orientation *
Conclusion *
Chapter 4: Saudi-Iranian Relations under Rafsanjani: A Return to Normalcy (1989-1997) *
Introduction *
The Iran-Iraq Ceasefire and the 1989 Makkah bombing *
The Political Landscape under Rafsanjani *
Ali Akbar Hamshemi Rafsanjani (1989-1997): Life, Personality and Political Perceptions *
External Determinants of Bilateral Relations *
The Iraq Factor *
Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait *
The Iraqis' uprising after Saddam's defeat *
The Signs of Improvement in Saudi Iranian Relations after the Second Gulf War *
The Gulf Islands Dispute *
Qatar gas dispute *
The Unrest in Bahrain *
OPEC: An Issue of Disagreement *
The Khobar Bombing of 1996 *
Conclusion *
Chapter 5: Saudi-Iranian Relations under Khatami - An Unprecedented Breakthrough in Bilateral Relations (1997-2005) *
Introduction *
Domestic Developments in Iran: The Advent of the Reformist Movement and the Khatami Presidency *
Muhammad Khatami: Life, Personality and Perceptions of Foreign Policy *
The Saudi Response to the Khatami Presidency *
The Organisation of Islamic Conference Meeting in Tehran and its Implications for Iran-Saudi Relations *
Rafsanjani's Trip to Saudi Arabia and Economic Achievements *
Khatami's Visit of Saudi Arabia and Security Pact *
US-Iranian Relationship and its Impact on Saudi-Iranian Relations *
Prior to 9/11 incident *
In the aftermath of 9/11 incident *
The Riyadh Compound Bombing of 2003 *
Conclusion *
Chapter 6: Saudi-Iranian Relations in Ahmadinejad's Presidency (2005-2013): Unsteady Relations *
Introduction *
Domestic Developments in Iran: The Rise of New Conservatives *
Mahmmud Ahmadinejad: Life, Personality and Perceptions of Foreign Policy *
Initial Saudi Responses to the Ahmadinejad Victory *
Makkah Organization of the Islamic Conference and Ahmadinejad's controversial remarks *
Regional Factors Influencing Two Countries' Relations *
The Competition of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Iraq *
Saudi Iranian Competition over Lebanon *
Iran and United States' Relations and its Impact on the Two Countries' Relations *
The Influence of Iran Nuclear Program on the Two Countries' Relations *
The Signs of Thaw in the Two Countries' Relations in Ahmadinejad's First Term *
Ahmadinejad's trip to Hajj and Rafsanjani's attendance in the Islamic Dialogue Conference in Makkah *
The Oil Impact *
The controversial re-election of Ahmadinejad and Saudi Arabia's response *
Arab Spring *
The Terrorism and Covert Operations *
Conclusion *
Chapter 7: Saudi-Iranian Relations after Rouhani: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (2013 onward) *
Introduction *
Rouhani's entanglement in Ahmadinejad's legacy *
Iran and P5 + 1 interim accord in 2013 *
The rise of Daesh and complexity of situation *
Oil Politics *
King Abdullah's death *
The two countries' relations *
Conclusion *
Epilogue *
Appendices *
Bibliography *
Index *
