Author: Alberto Cossu – 20/05/2025
The New Strategic Role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Autore: Alberto Cossu 20/05/2025
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound transformation, positioning itself at the heart of global geopolitical dynamics. Once seen as a passive rentier state, dependent almost exclusively on oil revenues and Western security guarantees, the Kingdom is now emerging as a proactive, reform-driven, and strategically assertive actor. This shift is the result of both internal reforms—most notably Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—and a recalibrated foreign policy that seeks to maximize Saudi influence amid a rapidly changing international order.
The recent visit of President Donald Trump to Riyadh, his first foreign trip of his second term, was not merely a diplomatic gesture. It was a clear geopolitical statement, affirming Saudi Arabia’s growing centrality in the international system and signaling that Washington continues to view the Kingdom as a key anchor of stability and influence in the region. The visit brought tangible benefits for both sides, reaffirming old ties and inaugurating a pragmatic framework for bilateral engagement rooted in mutual interests and strategic alignment.
Trump’s Visit: A New Era in US-Saudi Relations
President Trump’s 2025 visit to Riyadh marked a turning point in US-Saudi relations. No longer is Saudi Arabia viewed by the United States as a mere client or oil supplier; rather, it is now seen as a full-fledged strategic partner. The high-level commercial and defense delegations that accompanied Trump underscored the depth and breadth of the partnership. Agreements ranged from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to green hydrogen and tourism infrastructure, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy and position itself as a global hub for innovation and investment.
One of the most transformative outcomes was the announcement of a joint venture between AMD and Saudi Arabia to produce advanced AI chips, supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding data infrastructure. This partnership places Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global race in artificial intelligence, signaling its intent not just to build capacity but to lead in technologies that will define the coming century. This agreement also marks the Kingdom’s evolution from a consumer of innovation to a producer and enabler of it.
Economic integration accompanied these technological advances. Major investment deals were announced across sectors such as semiconductors, green hydrogen, fintech, and tourism infrastructure. These agreements represent a maturing economic relationship, with capital flowing in both directions and Saudi Arabia increasingly seen not just as a global investor but as one of the world’s most dynamic emerging investment destinations.
Security cooperation, a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, received renewed emphasis. While much attention has been given to arms sales, the real story is the shift toward defense self-sufficiency. The agreements included technology transfer, joint production initiatives, and a more agile procurement framework. Saudi Arabia is not simply buying weapons; it is building national capabilities, infrastructure, and expertise.
The timing of the visit, amid evolving regional dynamics, enhanced Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic leverage. Trump’s presence reinforced Riyadh’s role as the region’s central convening power. In a moment when Saudi envoys are constructively engaging with regional neighbors, managing conflicts, and facilitating dialogue, Trump’s endorsement—especially his positive response to the Crown Prince’s request to lift sanctions on Syria—underscored that Saudi Arabia remains Washington’s first call when regional leadership is required.
Saudi Arabia Among Gulf States: Leadership and Integration
Saudi Arabia’s transformation extends beyond its bilateral relationship with the United States. Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Kingdom has long been the bloc’s traditional leader. Recent years have seen Riyadh consolidate this position through a more assertive foreign policy and a capacity for mediation, as demonstrated in the rapprochement with Qatar following the 2017-2021 diplomatic crisis.
Today, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a reference point for stability and security in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as a driver of economic and technological integration. Investments in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, digitalization, and infrastructure have strengthened the Kingdom’s standing within the GCC, enabling it to lead the regional agenda toward greater economic diversification and reduced dependence on oil.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership is now defined not just by its financial muscle but by its ability to set the tone for regional cooperation, innovation, and reform. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is increasingly seen as a model for neighboring states, with Saudi investments and expertise shaping the future of the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia and Iran: Between Rivalry and Dialogue
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran remains one of the most delicate dossiers in the Middle East. The two powers, divided by deep religious, political, and strategic rivalries, have alternated between periods of tension and cautious dialogue. In recent years, however, a tentative rapprochement has emerged, facilitated by Chinese mediation and a shifting regional context.
Saudi Arabia, while maintaining a firm stance against Tehran’s regional ambitions, has recognized the need to manage the rivalry pragmatically, prioritizing collective stability and security. The dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran, though fragile, has yielded concrete results, such as the restoration of diplomatic relations and cooperation on maritime security. Nonetheless, significant differences persist, especially regarding the conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, where their respective spheres of influence continue to clash.
The Kingdom’s ability to balance confrontation with dialogue is now a key element of its new strategic posture. Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a stabilizing force, capable of engaging with Iran without abandoning its core interests or those of its allies.
The Israel Question: Normalization and Strategic Calculation
Saudi Arabia’s approach to Israel is another area of careful strategic maneuvering. While formal diplomatic relations have not yet been established, dialogue between the two countries has intensified, primarily as a counterweight to Iran and in the context of broader regional integration. The normalization process, already initiated by other Arab states through the Abraham Accords, represents a significant strategic choice for Riyadh—but also a political risk, given the sensitivity of the Palestinian issue among Saudi and Arab publics.
The Kingdom is weighing the costs and benefits of a potential opening, aware that such a move could strengthen its position as a regional leader and privileged US partner, but also expose it to internal and external criticism. Saudi Arabia is skillfully leveraging its role as a regional “swing state,” maintaining a posture of cautious openness toward Israel without compromising its fundamental interests or regional standing.
China: A Rising Strategic Partner
China has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most important interlocutors, both economically and politically. Beijing is now the Kingdom’s leading trading partner and one of its largest oil customers. But the relationship extends well beyond energy: China is involved in numerous infrastructure, technology, and industrial projects under Vision 2030, and the dialogue spans security and regional diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia sees China as an alternative partner to the United States, capable of providing investment, technology, and political support without the conditions often imposed by Washington. At the same time, Riyadh is acutely aware of the need to balance its relationship with Beijing so as not to jeopardize its historic alliance with the US. Saudi diplomacy is adeptly exploiting great power competition to maximize the Kingdom’s benefits.
China’s mediation in the Saudi-Iran rapprochement is a concrete example of Beijing’s growing regional influence and Saudi Arabia’s desire to diversify its strategic partnerships. Looking ahead, collaboration with China is likely to expand into artificial intelligence, renewables, and security, further strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a bridge between East and West.
Turkey: Rivalry, Cooperation, and Pragmatism
The Saudi-Turkish relationship has been marked by intense rivalry, especially following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the two powers have gradually moved past their tensions, initiating pragmatic dialogue on shared interests such as regional security, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sees Saudi Arabia as indispensable for Middle Eastern stability and for reviving its own economy, while Riyadh recognizes the importance of constructive ties with Ankara to avoid new frictions and bolster its regional position. Recent commercial agreements and joint investments signal a mutual desire to overcome past differences and build a partnership based on shared interests.
India: A Bridge Between the Gulf and Asia
India is another increasingly important strategic partner for Saudi Arabia. The two countries share converging interests across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, security, and technology. India is a major market for Saudi oil and a significant investor in the Kingdom’s development projects. The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia is a vital component of the local workforce and a cultural bridge between the nations.
In recent years, cooperation has expanded to security and counterterrorism, with bilateral agreements and joint military exercises. Saudi Arabia views India as a key ally for strengthening its presence in Asia and diversifying its strategic partnerships in an increasingly multipolar world.
Europe and Italy: Economic Interests and Shared Values
Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Europe—and Italy in particular—is characterized by strong economic interdependence and growing collaboration in strategic sectors such as energy, technology, and defense. The European Union is a major trading partner and a key market for Saudi oil and petrochemicals. Europe is also a significant investor in Saudi development projects, especially in renewables and infrastructure.
Italy has deepened its presence in the Kingdom through commercial and industrial cooperation agreements, particularly in energy, engineering, and construction. Italian companies’ participation in major Vision 2030 projects, such as the futuristic city of Neom, represents an opportunity for growth and innovation for both sides. The dialogue extends beyond economics to encompass human rights, security, and counterterrorism, requiring Saudi Arabia to balance its modernization ambitions with international expectations for political and social reform.
Russia and the BRICS: Multipolar Ambitions
Saudi Arabia has also strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in energy cooperation and oil market management through OPEC+. Moscow is an alternative partner to the US and Europe, offering political and military support in a context of growing global competition. Collaboration has expanded into agriculture, technology, and defense, reflecting a mutual desire to diversify alliances.
A significant development is Saudi Arabia’s recent accession to the BRICS group of emerging economies. Joining this forum signals the Kingdom’s intent to play a leading role in the new multipolar order, deepening ties with emerging economies and expanding its global influence. Participation in BRICS offers Saudi Arabia new opportunities for economic, technological, and political cooperation, as well as a platform to help shape the rules of the international system.
Conclusion: A New Global Centrality
Saudi Arabia stands at the center of an unprecedented transformation, emerging as a key player not only in the regional but also in the global arena. Trump’s visit was a milestone in this journey, cementing the Kingdom’s new centrality and its ability to shape international dynamics. Saudi foreign policy, increasingly assertive and multilateral, is built on balancing relationships with major powers—US, China, Russia—and forging strategic partnerships with regional actors such as Iran, Israel, Turkey, and India.
Europe and Italy are called to deepen their dialogue with Riyadh, seizing the opportunities presented by the Kingdom’s transformation and contributing to a more balanced and inclusive international order. From a passive, peripheral rentier state, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a central actor, capable of leading the transition to a multipolar world and playing a decisive role in the great challenges of the 21st century.