Saudi Arabia’s autocratic practices in the Mediterranean region (2011-2021)

This paper examines Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy in the Mediterranean and broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region between 2010 and 2021, highlighting its counter-revolutionary stance and support for autocratic regimes. Traditionally characterised by a status quo-oriented foreign policy aimed at preserving regime stability and the legitimacy of the Al-Saud monarchy, Saudi Arabia adopted a more assertive and proactive regional role during this period. This shift was driven by a combination of regional instability following the Arab uprisings, the relative decline of key regional powers, perceptions of U.S. disengagement, concerns over Iran’s regional influence—especially after the 2015 JCPOA—and the availability of financial resources due to oil booms. Leadership changes in Saudi Arabia further intensified its regional activism, particularly under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pursued a more aggressive stance against Iran and political Islam, notably the Muslim Brotherhood. The paper explores the Saudi approach by applying the theoretical framework and definitions developed by Achrainer and Pace’s Concept Manual (2024) for SHAPEDEM-EU project. First, the paper looks at how Saudi Arabia conceptualises its foreign policy, to see what ideas and norms are promoted and what is their relationship with democracy. Then, it focuses on the tools employed by the Saudi regime in the countries of the Southern shore of the Mediterranean in terms of autocracy support and its nuances. Lastly, it reflects on the EU’s relationship with Saudi Arabia in its completing role of democracy support in the same region.