Can Western countries impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia in a similar way to those imposed to Russia?

Question

A local journalist argued some time after murdering of Jamal Khashoggi something like the following (approximately from the memory, I cannot find the source now):

I do not mind paying more for the oil if Western countries decide to impose sanctions upon Saudi Arabia for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi

This answer provides several reasons that might trigger Western sanctions that are directly related to economical interests:

• (..) sanctions can be based on moral concerns, without reference to interests.
• (..) acting in support of morality even when it's not directly beneficial encourages others to do the same
• (..) there is an argument to be made for having a general policy opposing killing journalists.

However Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest oil producers in the world (3rd place) and I expect that it has a big influence on oil price.

Question: Can Western countries impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia in a similar way to those imposed to Russia?

Economical context (i.e. big oil producer) suggests that such sanctions are very hard to implement, but I am wondering if there is a bigger context.

Answer 1

In the broad range of options available as sanctions, a total embargo on Saudi oil would be close to the nuclear option. Sanctions would be more likely to start with:

• Stopping arms sales
• Freezing some of the government officials assets abroad (in particular the royal family)
• Discourage investments in the country

Answer 2

That it is not possible to live as US and EU does now without they oil, does not mean every single European and American will die after they cut it off.

I do not think India and China will buy all sanctioned oil and for the same price on a long run. They do not need it now. Apart from filling some reserves, why would they need it after the sanctions?

The absolutely minimal standards look more like heating houses only enough to prevent the water freezing, private cars mostly banned, few hours of electricity per day only, all passenger airlines banned, bread and rice only in the shops and the like. With all this implemented and all coal and nuclear plants restarted, it should be survivable. It is not clear if this can be done without starting the mass riots, but this really depends on the context. If Europeans would agree they safety is in danger, it can be done like it has been done over numerous wars in the past.

It must be the reason to go that far. But if they would suddenly decide to arrange the "special military operation" right in Vatican (not a NATO country, same as Ukraine), this may be possible. I really do not imagine this happening, Saudi Arabia looks like a peaceful and friendly country.

Answer 3

Can Western countries impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia in a similar way to those imposed to Russia?

No.

Saudi Arabia's primary source of power lies in the Petrodollar and Petrodollar Recycling system. If the USA wants to sanction Saudi Arabia, the USD will commit suicide. Therefore, in the case of the USA, the answer is an absolute and resounding NO.

Next, the KSA purchases billions of dollars' worth of weapons from the UK and France (see also). Therefore, these two countries also can't sanction them.

If these three countries can't sanction the KSA, I don't see anyone else coming forward.

Answer 4

Sure, Western countries can impose sanctions on anybody they want, including Saudi Arabia, but there are still some more important questions to answer. Which country's sanctions would hurt more: Western countries or Saudi Arabia? And more importantly, will it help to achieve any of Western goals?

As can be seen in the example of Russia, sanctions hurt both sides equally, and there is no need to argue which side is hurt more. Since such big economies like China, India, and some others are not participating in the sanctions, Russia still has the possibility to sell its goods. The same would be with Saudi Arabia. The sanctions would also push Saudi Arabia closer to such opponents of the West as Russia and China.

Answer 5

Well, the House of Saud was not invited to the Queen's funeral. So thats one sanction.

From a Realpolitik point of view, samctions cpuld be applied but the nations involved don't think its worth it, except when the optics - that is the public relations look bad.

From a quid pro quo point of view every country has its dissidents. Take Reality Winner in the USA jailed for doing what she saw as right. Part of it was due to lack of The Intercept not protecting their sources. But given that she was a whistleblower one might hope - as usual when it comes to USA national security detail - they can take down a young woman but they attacked Iraq on wholly fabricayed hroumds which they then proceeded to sell to the USA public. It was gross.

And then there is their operation "get Julian Assange at all costs". Julian Asssange is a journalist. He should have the protections offered to all journalists. Not offer him up to our imperial masters - the USA - on bended knee...

I'm pointing out the lack of consistency in the treatment of dissidents - as you appear to be worrying about dissidents.