Germany and Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Outlook in a Multipolar World

Shifts in the international system in the 21st century have led to an increasingly multipolar world order. Amidst this transforming geopolitical landscape, the policy report explores how Saudi Arabia and Germany share common interests, particularly a strong preference for robust institutions, rules, and norms that uphold the international system, thus enabling sustained economic growth and prosperity. Furthermore, both countries share a preference for diplomacy in their foreign policies. What differs, however, is their respective rhetoric and perceptions of how to achieve shared goals. This misalignment of approaches can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements, causing Berlin and Riyadh to "argue past each other" rather than finding common ground, hindering effective cooperation.