In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been pushing an image of transformation—a shift from being a pariah state to a respected global leader. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the kingdom has cultivated a facade of reform, modernity and diplomatic engagement. Its newfound role as a “mediator” in global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, has been touted as a sign of the kingdom’s diplomatic rebirth. But beneath this carefully constructed illusion lies a troubling reality: Saudi Arabia’s engagement on the world stage is not about true reform or peace, but about advancing its authoritarian agenda, leveraging its geopolitical influence and disguising its ongoing human rights violations and extremist ideologies.
Despite the slick media campaigns showcasing its “transformation,” Saudi Arabia’s core practices remain deeply authoritarian and rooted in Islamism. Women may drive, but they are still subject to strict male guardianship laws that restrict their autonomy. And while MBS has presented “Vision 2030” as a forward-thinking economic and social plan, these so-called reforms are largely superficial, aimed at bolstering the monarchy’s hold on power rather than empowering Saudi citizens. The murder in 2018 of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi remains a stark reminder of the regime’s brutal methods to silence dissent.
Despite its aggressive diplomatic charm offensive, Saudi Arabia continues to enforce a strict interpretation of Sharia law, oppress religious minorities, suppress dissent and fund radical ideologies across the globe. Its “reform” is nothing more than a distraction.
Saudi Arabia’s recent foray into global diplomacy has been presented as a bold step toward becoming a leader in global peace efforts. Saudi Arabia, a key player in OPEC and an influential oil power, has used its economic clout and strategic position to facilitate dialogues between Russia and Ukraine.
On the surface, this move may seem like a diplomatic breakthrough. After all, Saudi Arabia is not directly involved in the conflict, and its “neutral” status ostensibly makes it an ideal mediator. But let’s not be naive; this neutrality is part of a much larger strategic game. Riyadh’s attempt to position itself as a neutral party in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not about a genuine desire for peace. It is a calculated effort to further its own geopolitical ambitions while maintaining relationships with both Russia and the West.
Saudi Arabia has long worked closely with Russia within OPEC+, an alliance that allows both countries to manage global oil production and prices. This relationship gives the kingdom significant leverage over the global energy market, but it also means that Saudi Arabia cannot afford to alienate Russia. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has deep ties to Western powers, particularly the United States, which it cannot afford to lose. Thus, Saudi Arabia walks a tightrope between these two powers, playing the role of mediator while carefully balancing its own interests.
Saudi Arabia’s claim to neutrality is, in many ways, a convenient cover. The Kingdom’s actions reflect a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at preserving its influence over both the East and the West. Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Russia has been built on economic ties, particularly in the energy sector, and its decision to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be seen as an extension of this. It is not about peace—it is about power.
While the West has been focused on imposing sanctions and cutting ties with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Saudi Arabia has taken a more nuanced approach, calling for dialogue and de-escalation without overtly condemning Russia’s actions. This strategy allows Saudi Arabia to maintain its advantageous position within the global energy market, ensuring that its oil exports remain critical to both Russia and the West.
But let’s be clear: Saudi Arabia’s neutrality is not as pure as it seems. The kingdom is not an unbiased mediator; it is a player in a global game of power, trying to secure its own position while capitalizing on the chaos in Eastern Europe.
Beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Saudi Arabia is increasingly involved in mediating tensions across the Middle East and beyond. The kingdom has positioned itself as a regional powerbroker, facilitating negotiations in Yemen, in Syria and between rival factions in the region. This newfound diplomatic presence is a direct result of MBS’s efforts to modernize the kingdom’s image, portraying it as a force for peace and stability in the Middle East.
However, Saudi Arabia’s history of intervention and manipulation cannot be ignored. Its involvement in the war in Yemen, which has led to widespread civilian suffering, paints a very different picture of Saudi Arabia’s role in global diplomacy. Saudi Arabia’s actions in Yemen, alongside its support for Islamist movements worldwide, reveal the true nature of its foreign policy—one that seeks to maintain regional dominance at any cost.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to mediate in global conflicts are often less about finding peaceful solutions and more about leveraging its power to reshape the global order in its favor. The kingdom has long supported radical Islamic movements and continues to play a destabilizing role in the region by funding groups that align with its extremist interpretation of Islam.
Saudi Arabia’s increasing diplomatic outreach has raised eyebrows in the West, particularly as the kingdom’s relationships with Russia and China deepen. The West’s reluctance to take a strong stance against Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses and its support for radical Islamism has allowed the kingdom to expand its influence without facing significant repercussions. The West’s strategic dependence on Saudi oil, its economic clout and counterterrorism efforts have made it reluctant to criticize the kingdom too harshly, even as Saudi Arabia continues to violate basic human rights and undermine the values of democracy.
Saudi Arabia’s so-called transformation from pariah to diplomat is a dangerous illusion—a carefully crafted diplomatic mirage designed to distract the world from the kingdom’s true intentions. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts, including its role as a mediator in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, are not motivated by a genuine desire for peace but by a strategic calculation to maintain power and influence at any cost.