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

Author

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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)

  • Carmela Lutmar

    (School of Political Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel)

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key middle power, leveraging niche diplomacy to expand its global influence. This study examines how the Kingdom strategically employs mediation, religious diplomacy, humanitarian aid, energy leadership, and sports diplomacy to shape regional and international dynamics. Unlike great powers, middle powers focus on specialized areas where they hold a comparative advantage, allowing them to exert influence despite material constraints. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic recalibration aligns with its Vision 2030 agenda, prioritizing economic diversification, regional stability, and multilateral engagement. Saudi Arabia enhances its geopolitical significance by positioning 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Mordechai Chaziza & Carmela Lutmar, 2025. "Saudi Arabia’s Niche Diplomacy: A Middle Power’s Strategy for Global Influence," World, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:65-:d:1653247
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Narayani Sritharan & Ammar A. Malik & Asad Sami, 2024. "Continuity and change in Saudi Arabia’s development and humanitarian aid," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(15-16), pages 2208-2227, November.
    2. Mordechai Chaziza, 2024. "The US-China Rivalry in the Middle East: Confrontation or Competitive Coexistence," Contemporary Review of the Middle East, , vol. 11(2), pages 231-252, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mordechai Chaziza & Carmela Lutmar, 2025. "Oman’s Niche Diplomacy: Middle Power Strategies in a Shifting Middle East," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Mordechai Chaziza & Carmela Lutmar, 2025. "Between Constraint and Opportunity: Egypt’s Niche Diplomacy in a Shifting Global Order," World, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-18, October.

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