Part 10/13:
However, this balancing act is not without potential friction. The United States retains a Cold War mentality that often perceives China as a zero-sum rival, complicating differences over regional influence. Conversely, Israel’s powerful lobby remains a formidable force in U.S. politics; any erosion of Israel’s regional dominance could provoke diplomatic backlash, challenging Riyadh’s efforts to expand its regional role.