Defence and strategy

Oldřich VONDRUŠKA

The aim of this study is to comprehend the motivations and interests of the United States in relation to Saudi Arabia in given period through the analysis of available primary and secondary sources. Regarding the level of analysis I have chosen the executive power of the state, which is responsible for realization of foreign policy in the form of president, National security council and Department of defence. The focus of this study is on American military-security approach toward Saudi Arabia because it is the best indicator of quality of mutual relations with regional or global consequences. The chosen period covers Reagan, Bush sr. and Clinton administrations and thus includes several important events, which influenced world´s politics. Despite several setbacks, which both countries underwent during the period the relations stayed stable and Saudi Arabia is still considered one of the closest allies of the United States in the Middle East.