Saudi Arabia & Israel: 2 U.S. Client States?

The terms “client state” or “proxy” are often used in international relations to describe a country that is heavily dependent on a more powerful ally for its economic, military, and diplomatic support. While these terms can oversimplify complex international relationships, they do capture elements of the close ties between the United States and two key Middle Eastern states: Saudi Arabia and Israel. Both of these alliances are shaped by strategic interests, shared goals, and historical developments. 

United States and Saudi Arabia

   – The U.S.-Saudi relationship was initially forged in the 1940s, primarily around oil. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia in 1945, setting the groundwork for a partnership where the U.S. would provide security guarantees to Saudi Arabia in exchange for stable oil supplies.

 Military and Security Ties:

   – The United States has been a principal security guarantor for Saudi Arabia, selling advanced military equipment and providing training and intelligence cooperation. This relationship was particularly solidified following the Gulf War in 1991, where the U.S. led a coalition to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

   – The U.S. also provides support to Saudi Arabia in its ongoing conflict in Yemen against Houthi rebels, who are perceived to be backed by Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional rival.

 3. Economic and Energy Interests:

   – Saudi Arabia is a key player in global energy markets, and its decisions can significantly impact global oil prices. The U.S. economy has substantial interest in the stability of these markets.

   – The relationship is also commercially beneficial, with Saudi Arabia being a major market for U.S. arms and having significant investments in the U.S.

 4. Geopolitical Considerations:

   – In the context of Middle Eastern politics, Saudi Arabia is a significant counterbalance to Iran. The U.S. views Saudi Arabia as a critical ally in containing Iranian influence in the region.

 United States and Israel

Shared Democratic Values and Ideological Affinity:

   – The U.S. and Israel share common democratic values, which has been a foundation for strong cultural and political ties. This ideological affinity contributes to strong support for Israel within the U.S., both politically and among the general public.

Security and Military Cooperation:

   – The U.S. provides substantial military aid to Israel, ensuring it maintains a qualitative military edge in the region. This support includes the sale of advanced military technology, joint military exercises, and intelligence sharing.

   – The U.S. views Israel as a crucial ally in a volatile region, serving as a stable base for U.S. interests and a strategic partner in counterterrorism efforts.

Economic and Technological Partnerships:

   – The U.S. and Israel have robust economic ties, with significant trade and investment in various sectors, including technology and defense.

Geopolitical Strategy:

   – In the broader Middle Eastern context, Israel is seen as a key U.S. ally in countering threats from countries like Iran and groups like Hezbollah.

Domestic Political Considerations:

   – The strong pro-Israel lobby in the United States, exemplified by groups like AIPAC, exerts considerable influence on U.S. foreign policy.

 Conclusion

While the term “client state” might imply a lack of agency, both Saudi Arabia and Israel are regional powers with their own strategic interests and considerable influence. Their relationships with the U.S. are better described as strategic partnerships, where both sides have significant, albeit sometimes differing, interests. These alliances are dynamic and have evolved over time in response to changing regional circumstances and global politics. The close ties are indicative of mutual benefits in terms of security, economic interests, and geopolitical strategies.

The close and influential relationships between the U.S. and both of Saudi Arabia and Israel are often the subjects of what some call “conspiracy theories”, especially about “the Jews”. There are those who say that Israel is a U.S. Puppet State, because of the strong ties and what influence the US does have. Also, the American Republican Party tends to favor Israel because of the powerful religious sects that can swing Republican elections. The U.S. is also often swayed by Saudi Arabia because of the U.S. dependence on the petrodollar and the need for military bases in the region. We’ll explore these ideas in other articles.