A new assertive Saudi Arabia?

Recent months have seen a public falling-out between Riyadh and the US over the ongoing civil war in Syria, the Iranian nuclear file and the transition in Egypt. While cooperation with some Western powers, notably France, remains strong, Saudi Arabia is now walking a more independent and assertive path, most notably in Syria where it is ratcheting up its armed support for the rebels.

This discussion will explore the interests driving Saudi foreign policy, the extent to which it is prepared to assert its own vision for the region, what that vision is and the ramifications on Riyadh's relations with the West. To what extent can regional and European alliances play a more central role in Saudi strategy?

Nawaf Obaid is a Counselor to Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Prince Turki Al Faisal, who served as Saudi Ambassador to the United States and was the long-time Director of Saudi Arabia’s intelligence service. He is a Fellow at the King Faisal Center in Riyadh and a Visiting Fellow at the Belfer Center, Harvard University.

Daniel Levy is the Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at ECFR.