Saudi Arabia’s Quest for Regional Hegemony on the Basis of Opposition to Iran

Cingöz M., ÖZEV M. H., İZOL R.

Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2025 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/00219096251313551
  • Journal Name: Journal of Asian and African Studies
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Periodicals Index Online, American History and Life, Anthropological Literature, ATLA Religion Database, Geobase, Historical Abstracts, Index Islamicus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index, Sociological abstracts, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
  • Keywords: Antonio Gramsci, hegemony, Iran, regional hegemony, Robert Cox, Saudi Arabia
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study argues that Saudi Arabia’s increasing regional activism is not only limited to balancing the Iranian threat or competing with the Islamic Republic but is also related to its claim to be a regional hegemonic power. Within the framework of Robert Cox’s Antonio Gramsci-inspired approach to hegemony, Saudi Arabia has sought to establish hegemony through its oil revenues, integration with the global capitalist system, anti-Iranian rhetoric and institutional influence in the Gulf region. However, the inability to secure common consent among regional actors, failures on the ground and disagreements within the Gulf Cooperation Council are major obstacles to these efforts. By emphasising the interplay of ideas, material resources and institutions, the study reveals the limits of Saudi Arabia’s hegemony building and deepens the concept of regional hegemony through a neo-Gramscian analysis.