Written by Lisa Murimi
The Trump administration’s decision to hold key talks on Ukraine in Saudi Arabia highlights the Kingdom’s remarkable diplomatic resurgence.Â
Once a near pariah state following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia has steadily regained international influence under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Despite lingering concerns about its human rights record, the Kingdom has bolstered its global standing through massive investments in sports, entertainment, and diplomacy.
Under President Biden, Saudi Arabia reduced its reliance on the U.S., forging closer ties with geopolitical rivals like Russia and China while prioritizing its own interests.
A potential return of Donald Trump to the White House would likely be welcomed in Riyadh.
His transactional approach to foreign policy aligns with Saudi ambitions, and a renewed push for a Saudi-Israel peace deal—building on Trump’s Abraham Accords—could be on the horizon.
However, the ongoing war in Gaza complicates this process, with Saudi Arabia firmly rejecting Trump’s proposed resettlement plan for Palestinians.
Instead, Riyadh is working with Arab allies to develop an alternative roadmap centered on rebuilding Gaza and achieving a two-state solution.
How Trump and Saudi Arabia reconcile their diverging strategies will shape their future relationship, but one thing is clear—Saudi Arabia intends to remain a key player on the global stage.
