Date of Award
Spring 2009
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Political Science
Degree Name
Master of Arts
First Advisor
Stacy D VanDeveer
Abstract
Iran represents the primary threat to Saudi Arabia's foreign national security interests. Iranian hostility originates in the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution and also consists of threats to Saudi Arabia's internal security.1 Saudi Arabia's strategy to safeguard its national security assets, including petroleum processing and export facilities vital to the smooth flow of crude oil, relies on an advanced air defense capability to provide early warning of an aircraft or ballistic missile attack.
In contrast to the expected outcome of Robert Jervis' theory, a greater quantity of weapons but an overall decreased level of security, Saudi Arabia has increased their foreign security with respect to the Iranian combat aircraft threat to their national security interests in the Persian Gulf. Current developments by the two sides indicates an increasing downwards 'spiral of hostility' as each side acquires arms to offsets the others' increase in security.
Recommended Citation
Raimundo, Ian M., "Saudi Arabia's use of air power capabilities to secure its national security assets in the northern Persian Gulf arena" (2009). Master's Theses and Capstones. 112.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/112