Chronicle of a Death Foretold: The Jamal Khashoggi Affair and Turkish-Saudi Relations

This report analyses the Jamal Khashoggi affair in light of Turkish-Saudi relations and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

This report analyses the Jamal Khashoggi affair in light of Turkish-Saudi relations and the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. First, the development of a new Saudi state-identity based on a counter-revolutionary orientation is discussed with a view of illuminating the Saudi approach vis-à-vis regional geopolitical developments following the so-called Arab Spring. The second theme explores the targeting of Jamal Khashoggi in light of the Saudi approach to dissent and critique as it relates to Riyadh’s newly formed state-identity and Khashoggi’s own political orientation. The third theme analyses the historical trajectory of Turkish-Saudi relations and Turkey’s growing political and cultural capital with a view of understanding why Khashoggi was targeted in Turkey specifically. Finally, international reactions engendered by the targeting of Khashoggi and implications for the regional order are evaluated as to their potential future trajectories.