Europe & Saudi Arabia : the political economy of European Union foreign policy

Abstract

The interconnected nature of contemporary civilisation has precipitated cross-border exchanges on multiple fronts. Economic affiliation and the sharing of ideas and ideologies have taken place between nations, both concurrently and independently. This study explores the political-economic dynamics governing the European Union and its Member States' relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are the founding principles that the EU strives to disseminate in world politics. Accordingly, this thesis also seeks to determine whether EU-Saudi ties conform to the Union's stated foreign policy objectives. This study first examines statistics related to trade flows from 2006 to 2015 between the EU and KSA in two products: crude oil and armaments. This quantitative analysis establishes the depth of economic ties between not only Saudi Arabia and the Union but also individual Member States, allowing the researcher to reflect on these findings within the context of broader events that occurred over that period. Furthermore, an analysis of primary and secondary documents scrutinises this partnership's political aspects, focusing on three core issues: regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and political reform. These investigations aim to reinforce the arguments raised in the Literature Review concerning the separation between the Union's interests and those of individual Member States. From an economic perspective, the results show that the EU remains dependent on Saudi Arabia for crude oil imports, despite its efforts to establish new supply partners. In addition, the findings show that although the provision of crude oil is an economic transaction, this also comprises significant political implications. Meanwhile, EU arms exports to the Kingdom exemplify the Union's lack of ultimate competence in foreign policy, as the humanitarian consequences of these dealings are seemingly overlooked by seven profiting Member States in particular. Through document-based research, Europe's political alliance with Saudi Arabia is found to be crucial for advancing regional stability and counter-terrorism cooperation, despite the shortcomings in the Kingdom's involvement in both endeavours. Saudi Arabia's hostility towards Iran, suppression of democratic movements in neighbouring countries, propagation of extremist ideologies, and application of anti-terrorism laws against peaceful dissidents, undermine these efforts. Furthermore, Europe has been inconsistent in its advocation of political reform in KSA. Thus far, statements from within EU institutions urging Member States to shape its relations with Saudi Arabia around these issues, as opposed to commercial interests, have been unsuccessful. This study concludes that the EU's relationship with Saudi Arabia typifies the constant interaction between economic and political dynamics that shapes Europe's involvement in global politics. Member States' discretionary interests have obstructed the Union from establishing coherent positions on a range of issues and hindered the attainment of political results that fully satisfy its foreign policy objectives. Consequently, this thesis indicates the need for a uniform strategy that places European values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law on par with Member States' economic objectives. Such a development would enhance the EU's credibility in international affairs while bolstering its leverage in negotiations with third countries.