[astazangasta]

Saudis buy weapons BECAUSE they are educated in liberal institutions. Elites around the world have been sending their children to be educated in the West for centuries; what they learn here is an affinity for Western elites, because they are being educated along with the scions of Western families. Then they go home and govern their countries according to the dictates of the liberal order, viz., support the Washington consensus, partner with western companies, buy weapons, etc.

[rolltiide]

Yes, a big networking event amongst elites for future connections, deal flow and capital

What the professors and course material say has very little to do with that.

Also, people play within the rules of their country. Even the frontmen (heads of state) have to maintain consensus with their warhawking generals.