Realism and Idealism: US Policy toward Saudi Arabia, from the Cold War to Today
Abstract
In his 2005 inaugural address, President George W. Bush said, "America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one...So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. This ambitious pronouncement represents the keystone of the Bush Administration's foreign policy. U.S. foreign policy around the world -- and especially in the Middle East -- rests increasingly on this belief that a more democratic world not only coincides with American values but is consistent with America's interests as well. This belief directly contradicts U.S. policy in the Middle East during the Cold War. For almost five decades, U.S. policy in the Middle East operated on the assumption that democracy there would jeopardize U.S. political and economic interests. If the Bush Administration sincerely believes that freedom and democracy in the United States depends on freedom and democracy abroad, then sooner or later the path of reform must go through the House of Saud. The attacks of 9/11 brought to light the central ideological and financial role of the Saudis in international terrorism. The road to reform in Saudi Arabia, however, will likely traverse treacherous ground that could endanger U.S. political and economic interests. Therefore, U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East should cautiously balance American idealist values and realist interests, patiently and prudently applying the lessons of recent history. Before analyzing U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia during the Cold War and developing a strategy for the future, it is important to gain a better understanding of these realist interests and idealist values.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA490797
Entities
People
- Bradley L. Bowman
Organizations
- United States Army War College