The Competition Between Iran and Saudi Arabia: Internal Factors

The rivalry between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East can be examined based on fundamental variables affecting the foreign policy behavior of each of these two actors. Among the effective variables are internal factors and resources that have a significant impact on the process of foreign policy behavior. Internal resources can be defined on two principles: first: material internal factors, such as military power, political system structure, economic power, and geopolitical position, and second: intangible internal factors, such as identity and ideology. Each of these can explain how the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia compete in the Middle East; Accordingly, this article tries to answer the question with a descriptive- analytical method, what are the internal factors affecting the competition between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia? In this regard, it tests the main hypothesis that domestic factors are the main source of regional competition between the two countries. Therefore, in this research, an attempt is made to examine each of these factors using theoretical framework of neoclassical realism and with emphasis on a single level of this theory.