Democracy, Strategic Interests & U.S. Foreign Policy in the Arab World: A Multiple Case Study of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan & Saudi Arabia

Abstract

What determines U.S. foreign policy in the Arab world? In order to address this question, an inductive multiple case study of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia was conducted. These four Arab countries were selected due to their varying political positions and relationships with the U.S. I argue that the U.S.’s prioritization of strategic interests trumps or, in some cases, stifles support for the democratic process within the context of U.S. foreign policy in the Arab world, and that “democracy” is only advocated for when it serves U.S. desire for stability and hegemony throughout the region. Examining Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia demonstrates that political stability in the region, resistance to terrorism and unrest, Israel’s interests, and economic gains through oil and weapon production and sales are the U.S.’s key priorities. The results of this study will contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive assessment of complex interdependence and political incongruences in U.S. foreign policy in the Arab world.