Cato Daily Podcast

Saudi Arabia: Pariah or Partner?

Sep 21, 2023

Explore the complex US-Saudi Arabia relationship, questioning the influence of lobbying efforts and autocratic leadership. Discuss Biden's push for a grand bargain between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and the United States' involvement in Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. Shed light on the surprising cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel in countering Iran. Reflect on the potential consequences of expanding US obligations to other countries and forming alliances with Saudi Arabia to counter Russia and China.

10:37

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Quick takeaways

President Joe Biden is working towards establishing a formal security guarantee for Saudi Arabia, comparable to those with South Korea and Japan.

Calls for a reassessment of the benefits the US receives from its relationships with Saudi Arabia and Israel, and whether they align with strategic interests.

Deep dives

Formalized Security Guarantee for Saudi Arabia

President Joe Biden is moving towards establishing a formal security guarantee for Saudi Arabia, similar to those in place with South Korea and Japan. This would require the United States to come to the defense of Saudi Arabia in case of external attack or internal upheaval.

Introduction

2min

The Perplexing Nature of US-Saudi Arabia Relations

3min

Reevaluating the US Relationship with Saudi Arabia and Israel

2min

United States' involvement in Saudi Arabia and Israel's cooperation

2min

Expanding US Obligations to Other Countries and the Role of Saudi Arabia

2min

What does the United States get in terms of security enhancement given its informal, but pricey financial commitment to Saudi Arabia? President Biden is advancing a plan that would formalize security guarantees to Saudi Arabia. Cato's Jon Hoffman comments.

Pariah or Partner: Reevaluating the U.S.-Saudi Relationship

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