The Security Dilemma in Saudi-Iranian Relations

Abstract

This kind of international environment will, according to the concept of security dilemma, ignite suspicion, competition, arms races, and eventually war. According to Herz and Jervis, the ultimate source of security dilemma is the anarchical international system; while to Butterfield the source of the dilemma is derived from the "universal sin of humanity". 5 The three major writers of the security dilemma agree that the security dilemma is about states' fear of each other's intentions; and it is a fundamental cause of conflicts among states. By accumulating more power (including unnecessary offensive and defensive capabilities) to match the perceived power of others, states do not escape from the security dilemma; instead they unintentionally move toward facing each others, producing tragic results-that is, war. Generally, the security dilemma is a situation in an anarchical international system in which "the search for security on the part of state A leads to insecurity for state B which therefore takes steps to increase its security leading in its turn to increase insecurity for state A". 6 In short, anarchy creates uncertainty; uncertainty develops fears; fears lead to power competition; power competition produces a security dilemma; and the activated security dilemma causes conflicts and wars. 7 Therefore, there is a strong correlation between anarchism and states conflicts.

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