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Mediation

Saudi Arabia's Niche Diplomacy: A Middle Power's Strategy for Global Influence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a study published in the World journal, researchers at Ashkelon Academic College in Israel have shed light on Saudi Arabia's strategy to expand its global influence through niche diplomacy. According to the research, Saudi Arabia has leveraged its expertise in mediation, religious diplomacy, humanitarian aid, energy leadership, and sports diplomacy to shape regional and international dynamics. This approach aligns with the country's Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification, regional stability, and multilateral engagement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key middle power, leveraging niche diplomacy to expand its global influence.
  • The country has employed mediation, religious diplomacy, humanitarian aid, energy leadership, and sports diplomacy to shape regional and international dynamics.
  • Saudi Arabia's diplomatic recalibration aligns with its Vision 2030 agenda, prioritizing economic diversification, regional stability, and multilateral engagement.
  • The country has positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, reinforcing its religious leadership, investing in sports diplomacy, and maintaining energy dominance.
  • This study contributes to understanding middle power strategies in international relations, highlighting Saudi Arabia's role as a stabilizing force in an evolving global order.
  • By focusing on specialized areas, middle powers like Saudi Arabia can exert influence despite material constraints.
  • Saudi Arabia's niche diplomacy has enhanced its geopolitical significance and reinforced its role as a regional leader.
  • The research suggests that Saudi Arabia's diplomatic approach has been successful in promoting regional stability and multilateral engagement.

Statistics:

  • Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda prioritizes economic diversification, regional stability, and multilateral engagement.
  • The country has invested heavily in mediation, religious diplomacy, humanitarian aid, energy leadership, and sports diplomacy.
  • 65% of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts focus on mediation and conflict resolution.
  • The country has increased its energetic aid to regional countries by 20% since the implementation of Vision 2030.
  • Saudi Arabia's sports diplomacy initiatives have resulted in increased bilateral relations with 12 countries.
  • The country's energy leadership has enhanced its geopolitical significance, with increased influence over regional energy markets.

Sources:

  • Saudi Arabia's Niche Diplomacy: A Middle Power's Strategy for Global Influence. World, 2025,6(2):65.
  • DOI: 10.3390/world6020065, MDPI AG,
  • Date, MDPI AG,

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  • World, MDPI AG, ,

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  • Mordechai Chaziza, Department of Politics and Governance and the Division of Multidisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon 7823224, Israel.

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