LEADER 04887nam 22006375 450 001 9911049071003321 005 20260102120545.0 010 $a3-032-01388-7 024 7 $a10.1007/978-3-032-01388-0 035 $a(CKB)44769865100041 035 $a(MiAaPQ)EBC32470938 035 $a(Au-PeEL)EBL32470938 035 $a(DE-He213)978-3-032-01388-0 035 $a(EXLCZ)9944769865100041 100 $a20260102d2025 u| 0 101 0 $aeng 135 $aur||||||||||| 181 $ctxt$2rdacontent 182 $cc$2rdamedia 183 $acr$2rdacarrier 200 10$aAuthoritarian Mediation $eSaudi-Iran Strategic Realignment in China's Shadow /$fby Saira Khan 205 $a1st ed. 2025. 210 1$aCham :$cSpringer Nature Switzerland :$cImprint: Palgrave Macmillan,$d2025. 215 $a1 online resource (283 pages) 225 1 $aNew Security Challenges,$x2731-0337 311 08$a3-032-01387-9 327 $aChapter 1: Introduction: The Diplomatic Breakthrough and Its Global Significance -- Chapter 2: Historical Context and Evolution of the Saudi-Iran Rivalry and Cooperation Efforts -- Chapter 3: China?s Strategic Interests and Role as a Mediator -- Chapter 4: Drivers Behind Rapprochement with Rivals -- Chapter 5: Dynamics of Authoritarian Mediation -- Chapter 6: Saudi Arabia?s Perspectives -- Chapter 7: Iran?s Calculations -- Chapter 8: Geopolitical Implications, Regional Power Dynamics, and the New Cold War -- Chapter 9: Future Prospects and Challenges -- Chapter 10: Conclusion. 330 $aThis book investigates the groundbreaking diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran, mediated by China in March 2023?a striking departure from the traditional Western-dominated diplomatic processes that have long shaped the Middle East. This pivotal moment reflects a complex interplay of strategic calculations, domestic pressures, and shifting geopolitical realities, with far-reaching implications for regional and global power dynamics. The analysis unpacks the reasons why Saudi Arabia?a key regional actor?chose China, rather than a Western power, to mediate its rapprochement with Iran, an enduring rival. It investigates Riyadh?s strategic priorities, recalibration of foreign policy, and the broader context of its regional ambitions. Simultaneously, the book explores Iran?s motivations for embracing a China-brokered deal, examining how domestic economic challenges, regime stability, and diplomatic isolation influenced its decision to pursue a thaw in relations with Saudi Arabia. By situating this diplomatic realignment within the broader decline of Western influence in the Middle East, the book highlights how new patterns of engagement are emerging?ones that often bypass traditional Western channels in favor of authoritarian-led mediation. In doing so, it offers insight into the circumstances under which authoritarian states prefer third-party mediation by fellow authoritarian regimes?and when such arrangements produce the most durable outcomes. Ultimately, the book offers a novel perspective on the evolving nature of diplomacy in a multipolar world, where emerging powers like China are reshaping the geopolitical landscape through pragmatic, interest-based engagement. Saira Khan is an expert in international affairs with over two decades of experience teaching International Relations across Canada, Europe, West Asia, the U.S., and South Asia. She specializes in conflict dynamics, crisis management, war, and nuclear proliferation, with regional expertise in South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Her work bridges academic research and policy relevance, offering insights into traditional and emerging threats. Khan is the author of The Iran Nuclear Deal (2024), Iran and Nuclear Weapons (2009, 2011), Nuclear Weapons and Conflict Transformation (2008, 2010), and Nuclear Proliferation Dynamics in Protracted Conflict Regions (2002). . 410 0$aNew Security Challenges,$x2731-0337 606 $aMiddle East$xPolitics and government 606 $aDiplomacy 606 $aInternational relations 606 $aPeace 606 $aMiddle Eastern Politics 606 $aDiplomacy 606 $aInternational Relations 606 $aForeign Policy 606 $aPeace and Conflict Studies 615 0$aMiddle East$xPolitics and government. 615 0$aDiplomacy. 615 0$aInternational relations. 615 0$aPeace. 615 14$aMiddle Eastern Politics. 615 24$aDiplomacy. 615 24$aInternational Relations. 615 24$aForeign Policy. 615 24$aPeace and Conflict Studies. 676 $a327.538055 700 $aKhan$b Saira$01551573 801 0$bMiAaPQ 801 1$bMiAaPQ 801 2$bMiAaPQ 906 $aBOOK 912 $a9911049071003321 996 $aAuthoritarian Mediation$94522182 997 $aUNINA