Establishment of the Arab monarchies as a new global actor: conclusions for Ukrainian diplomacy

Abstract

Abstract. The article addresses the phenomenon of the rise of a group of Arab monarchies to the status of an influential global actor in world politics. The study explores the implications of the phenomenon on the foreign policy of Ukraine, particularly within the context of countering russian aggression. The related achievements of the Arab monarchies are shown to stem primarily from their consistent implementation of extensive and comprehensive reforms and adept leveraging of ongoing changes in the geopolitical balance in the international arena. The study covers the role of the strategic reform initiatives undertaken by each of the countries in question, together referred to as the Vision. The author finds that their main feature lies in setting the course for the Arab monarchies’ transition from a post-carbon economic framework to a new developmental model based chiefly on the advancement of high-tech production and the knowledge industry. The successful implementation of these reforms enabled this group of countries to establish a strong economic foundation for their foreign policy advancement, shaping a new regional security system in the Gulf subregion and the Middle East region. The 32nd Arab League Summit held in Jeddah on 19 May 2023 showed the growing role of Saudi Arabia in modern world politics and international diplomacy. The author recognizes that Ukrainian diplomacy timely and adequately analysed the potential of Arab monarchies as a new global actor in international politics, enabling Ukraine to improve the branch of the MFA of Ukraine responsible for the Arab world, and to develop the main outlines of the conceptual approach to cooperation with Arab monarchies. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy played a crucial role in these developments by participating in the Summit and negotiating with prominent Arab leaders. Keywords: Arab monarchies, Saudi Arabia, New World Order, russian aggression against Ukraine, Ukrainian diplomacy.