HERMINE HOVHANNISYAN
Walt , balancing is about allying in opposition to the potential conqueror . Meanwhile , bandwagoning means to ally with the state that poses the principal source of danger . 29 Similarly , Schweller notes that “ the aim of balancing is self-preservation and the protection of values already possessed , while the goal of bandwagoning is usually self-extension .” 30 Walt then claims that states join alliances for two reasons . First , states strive to refrain from domination by much stronger countries . Second , states prefer to join the vulnerable rather than the stronger side , aiming at preserving their influence instead of reducing it by joining the stronger side . 31 In addition to Walt ’ s arguments , Kenneth Waltz says , “ Secondary states , if they are free to choose , flock to the weaker side . On the weaker side , they are both more appreciated and safer , provided , of course , that the coalition they join achieves enough defensive or deterrent strength to dissuade adversaries from attacking .” 32
Rapprochement process : Coping with the Iranian ascendancy
The Second Lebanon War in 2006 was a turning point in the relations of Israel and Saudi Arabia . The war was a clear manifestation of the increased influence of Iran in the region . Moreover , Iran ’ s support of Hamas and its indirect involvement in the conflict made Saudi Arabia consider Iran a real threat to its hegemony in the Middle East . As for Israel , it was mostly concerned about Iran ’ s nuclear project . Furthermore , this last point was concerning for both countries . Thus , these two saw each other as potential allies , regarding Iran as a common threat .
Frederic Wehrey et al . claim that the surprising cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia has been marked by a positive development , which is the increased and noticeable pragmatism in Arab diplomacy . 33 Notably , in support of his observation he has cited an Egyptian scholar ’ s statement “ The old Pan-Arab discourse of ‘ rejection ’ and ‘ confrontation ’ has shifted toward the vocabulary of ‘ engagement ’: engagement with Israel in order to contain Iran ”. 34
29
Stephan M . Walt , “ Alliance Formation and the Balance of World Power . International Security ,” 9 , no . 4 , ( 1985 ).
30
Randall L . Schweller , “ Bandwagoning for Profit : Bringing the Revisionist State Back In ,” International Security 19 , no . 1 , ( 1994 ): 74 . 31 Walt , Alliance Formation and the Balance of World Power . International Security .
32
Waltz , Theory of International Politics , 127 .
33
Frederic Wehrey et al . “ Contention on the Periphery : Saudi-Iranian Relations and the Conflicts in Lebanon and Palestine ” in Saudi-Iranian Relations Since the Fall of Saddam : Rivalry , Cooperation , and Implications for U . S . Policy ( Santa Monica , CA ; Arlington , VA ; Pittsburgh , PA : RAND Corporation , 2009 ), 77-91 .
34
Ibid ., 86 . 11