Regional Rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East; 2011-2013

The Middle East is an anarchical regional system that tends to work according to the realist rules of realpolitik. The inherent characteristic of this regional system has caused change in the conduct of actors to affect the security and interests of other nations of the Middle East. Recent instability and revolutions in the Arab states have left significant impact on the Iranian and Saudi interests as two large actors in the Middle East, leading to heightened regional rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia over power and influence as well as to increased tension in their mutual relations. This research addresses regional rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia in light of recent revolutions in the Arab states.