U.S-Saudi relationship: A carrot stick partnership

Since the recognition of Saudi Arabia by U.S in 1931, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and U.S have developed multifold. Both countries share the ambition of promoting stability and maintaining peace in Gulf region. The ties between U.S and Saudi government ranges from large scale of economic cooperation especially oil export and regional peace are chief concerns for U.S.A and Saudi-Arabian government respectively. In Middle East Saudi Arabia is U.S largest trade partner. Especially, this partnership is extended under security umbrella. As, Saudis perceive threat in face of Iran and its proxies like Houthie rebels.

In recent times, the infamous murder of Jamal Khashoshgi has triggered a severe response from U.S officials and it was expected that aftermath of such events would potentially paint Saudi image among American think tanks as not very humane. It was expected that both countries may have certain decline in amicable relationship, which they had historically shared. But, now things have changed. Saudi officials which were being abandoned by U.S were being recently restored to their Embassies and offices. Few media programs which were critical to Kingdom, were being taken off from Netflix. Moreover, Washington has also approved 195 million dollars upgradation of Saudi missile system.

Fallowing the murder, private firms investing in Saudi Arabia had pulled out their hands from Saudi markets. Even, senators from U.S did not show any repulsion from calling Muhamad bin Suleiman as “murderer”. This development was unprecedented and expectations were being raised that American Saudi relations may start a downward patch of growth. But, trump had made his posture clear in no uncertain terms. He had made sure that he will not allow at any cost to let the relationship with lucrative Saudi-Arabia to get strained. This was a classical case where, U.S had made its economic posture fronting its moral stances. Saudis were often painted in bad light regarding the atrocities which they have committed in Yemen. But, U.S humanitarian position takes back seat when it comes to the benefits it yields in controlling global economy through petro-dollar agreement.

In fact, the carrots which Saudis provide to Washington largely outweigh the perils which Saudis may cast to Western block. Especially, U.S strained relation with Russia increases the significance of kingdom in the global oil market. Since, war in Ukraine and imposition of sanction over Russia by U.S, Bidden has persuaded Saudis to increase the production of oil. This is because increase in oil prices has brought a storm of inflation worldwide, and U.S has also felt the aftershocks, since supply side of oil has been plummeting. Despite U.S persuasion, Saudis did not make any practical steps which could guarantee safety of U.S concerns, regarding increasing the production. Few commentators in West have raised eyebrows against Saudis. And, questions have been raised by many whether the 77 years old ties are worth keeping up with.

In April, amidst rising diplomatic tensions, Saudi embassy had to release a statement which reiterated that relations between U.S and Saudi government are “historic and strong”. On surface, it indicated that relations between both countries are not strained by any pressure exerted by U.S. Moreover, embassy official has said that there is close cooperation between both the countries and regular discussion about cooperation regarding “security, investments and energy”. Since then oil prices have kept on increasing and entire global economy except for controlled economic systems like China have seen record inflation.

But, U.S and other global powers could not persuade the crown to increase the production.
In conclusion, Saudi-US relations have remained of great historical significance. Saudis need U.S to help them providing security and U.S share need of Saudi help vis-à-vis their economic safety. So, this mutual dependence could even prevent one party to compromise its moral posture at the times to ensure safety of its economic interests. Thus, one side ensure carrot for other and other ensures sticks for other. So, the carrot and stick goes hand in hand for mutual sustainability.