Iran-Saudi Arabia Strife for Regional Dominance: Proxy Wars in the Middle East (Yemen as Case Study)

Abstract

This thesis examines Iran and Saudi Arabia rivalry for regional dominance in some Middle East countries in general, and Iran and Saudi Arabia proxy war in Yemen in particular. Its main concern is to investigate how the Saudi-Iranian relations have historically developed and more importantly what factors have stimulated this conflict. It argues that the Arab Spring that started in 2011 was one of the major reasons that have further developed the tension between the two countries, in which Iran and Saudi Arabia have not confronted each other militarily. The thesis analyses the two states’ rivalry in some Middle East countries like Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain and Syria and takes the civil war in Yemen as case study. It sheds light on two important movements which are the Houthis and Hadi’s government. The former represents the most significant movement in Yemen since 2011; this military and political movement controlled the Yemeni capital and is backed by Iran. The latter is largely supported by Saudi Arabia.