Saudi Arabia's foreign policy during King Khalid's reign, 1975--1982

As an Arab-Islamic state, Saudi Arabia is part of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as of the larger Arab world. It is the birthplace of Islam and holds within its territory the two holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia possesses one-fourth of the world's proven oil reserves, making it the world's third largest oil producer and the first exporter of oil in the world. Undoubtedly, its importance to the Arabs, Islam and the world is eminent.;This study is divided into five major chapters. The first gives a general background about the country, discussing the history of Saudi Arabia and its people, the government structure and the foreign policy objectives. The second chapter addresses Saudi oil policies during that time and the use of oil as an instrument of foreign policy. The third chapter pertains to Saudi Arabia's relations with the Arab world and its behavior related to developments in the Middle East region. The fourth chapter discusses Saudi relations with the Islamic world and the use of Islam as an instrument to achieve foreign policy objectives. The fifth chapter explores the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the two superpowers, the Soviet Union and the United States.;The primary purpose of this study is to examine, through a descriptive and analytical approach, Saudi Arabia's foreign policy behavior during King Khalid's reign from 1975 to 1982. The study tries to describe and explain the general objectives, behavior and attitudes related to Saudi foreign policy during this pivotal time. It tries to explore the general direction and patterns of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy.