Ali Kalout, Hussein and Mabon, Simon (2024) The Saudi-Iranian Rivalry and its tutelary models in Lebanon : The Regional Power rivalry and its multidimensional impact on state sovereignty and political system: Examining the tutelary rule model and the case of Lebanon. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.
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Abstract
The geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has exerted a profound influence on the internal dynamics of Middle Eastern nations since the mid-2000s, with Lebanon standing out as a significant case study. This doctoral thesis seeks to explore in depth the specific characteristics that have rendered Lebanon uniquely susceptible to external interference from these regional powers, particularly through their respective tutelary models. While existing international relations literature extensively covers the Saudi-Iranian rivalry in the broader Middle East, this thesis aims to fill a crucial gap by providing a detailed analysis of how these powers' distinct tutelary approaches manifest within Lebanon and shape its political landscape. Lebanon's strategic position and complex sectarian makeup have made it a battleground for regional influence, where Saudi Arabia and Iran compete not only for geopolitical supremacy but also for ideological and strategic footholds. This thesis posits that Lebanon's historical and contemporary vulnerabilities to external manipulation are rooted in a combination of socio-political fragmentation, historical ties to external powers, and the legacy of sectarianism exacerbated by regional proxy conflicts.