Determining the relationship of regional and religious dynamics : perceptions from the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

Regional and religious factors in the Arabian Peninsula have long received scholarly research from several scholars. But the interaction of both regional dimensions and religion on the politics, social and economic fabric of Arabia has not received ample research. This research aims to examine the impact of regional power politics and religious rivalry on local political processes and foreign politics of Arabian Peninsula states. A critical analysis of historical, political and religious literature is then undertaken the purposes of understanding the roles of regional and religious factors for state governance, security issues and international policies within the region. It is assumed that regional competition and religious factor plays an important role in the political behaviors and affiliations of Arabian Peninsula states. The identified dynamics are expected to give an insight on how these have transpired over time and how they shape socio-political context. This study contributes to a gap in prior research by examining the relationship between regional structures of power and religious sectarianism while the latter is seen as independent in other works. The contributions of the study are expected to increase the awareness of the dynamics of regional and religious factors within the Middle East with focus on the impact of the KSA Vision 2030 and the emerging role of the kingdom in the region. These findings are expected to be useful to policy makers and academics studying the geopolitical and socio-religious changes in the Arabian Peninsula.