From Stillness to Aggression: The Policy of Saudi Arabia towards Syria after the Arab Spring
Nazife Selcen Pinar Akgul

Abstract
The new dynamics that emerged after the Arab Spring have shaped the policies of countries in the region. Their traditional foreign policies changed to better respond to national interests in the region. In particular, Saudi Arabia, as an effective actor, modified its traditional positions as a result of fear of an epidemic effect on the region. In this context, this study examines the reaction of Saudi Arabia, focusing on Syria. It will also try to respond to two questions: Why did Saudi Arabia give up its traditional foreign policy, and why did it change its position from the status quo to a revisionist policy regarding the Assad regime? To seek the answers in the first step of this work, Saudi Arabia’s traditional foreign policy and regional alliances will be analyzed. The second step will include the “double bind” dilemma of Saudi Arabia in its reaction towards the Arab uprising, in particular its change in posture towards Syria from remaining silent or procrastinating to supporting intervention against the Assad regime.

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