Saudi Arabia Rentier State Saudi Arabia Al Saud

Saudi Arabia Rentier State

Saudi Arabia • Al Saud were originally minor tribal rulers in central Arabia • From the mid-18 th century, allied with the Wahabbi Islamic movement, they became aggressively expansionist. • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established in 1932. • Vast oil reserves discovered 1938

International Relations • Despite authoritarian tendencies Saudi is a major economic and strategic partner to the West • Despite historic tensions, Saudi and Israel have increased cooperation prompted by shared threats from Sunni extremists and Iran

Historic International Affairs • 1956 established an oil embargo on UK and France • 1967 Six-Day War, Saudi Arabia did not participate due to tensions with Egypt over Yemen • 1973 October War or Yom Kippur War; oil boycott of the United States • The price of oil rose increasing Saudi Arabia's wealth and political influence • 1979 Iranian Revolution threatened Saudi security • 1990, Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait King Fahd, fearing an attack from Iraq, invited American and Coalition soldiers to be stationed in Saudi Arabia

Rentier State • • The land, oil and, state are property of al Saud Citizens trade their political rights for benefits Limited taxation Mass immigration – Perform domestic and manual labour. – Technological management of oil production

Religious Legitimacy • • • Rule with consultation of Ulema Apply strict Islamic law Use the Hanbali legal school Guardians of the two holy places Promote their brand of Islam globally

Government • Absolute Monarchy • Quran is the Constitution • Decisions made on the basis of consultation among the senior princes and the religious establishment. • The Ulema (Religious Leaders) play a direct role in government. • Limited political participation outside of the Royal Family - Municipal Elections

Elections • In 2005 the first ever elections were held for local municipal councils • These councils are largely powerless • 18% of eligible voters participated • Women given right to vote in 2015

Freedom? • No political parties or national elections • 7 th Most authoritarian country globally • Protest, however minor, are rapidly put down

Crime and Punishment • Trials are held in secret • The accused have no access to evidence or witnesses • Victims of sexual assault are often blamed and punished • Crimes: apostasy, adultery, witchcraft and sorcery • Punishment includes: beheading, stoning, amputation, lashing, and execution

Mutaween (Religious Police) • Committee for the Prevention of Vice and Promotion of Virtue • Ensure Islamic Law and customs are strictly enforced; dress, public behaviour, alcohol, prayer, diet

• 2009 "Anti-Witchcraft Unit" to "educate the public about the evils of sorcery • No celebration of Valentine's Day • banning the sale of dogs and cats • launched a website on which un-Islamic behavior can be reported

Political Dissent • Sunni Extremists, Shi’ites, Liberals • Women’s rights advocates • Protests, even minor, or peaceful, are generally put down quickly and violently • In 2011 ‘Arab Spring’ protests erupted in Jeddah over housing. Significant funds were allocated to appease social unrest

Carrots and Sticks

Guardianship Laws • Women require permission from a male guardian: – Marriage and divorce – Travel – Education – Employment – Opening a bank account – Medical surgery • Saudi men receive a text message whenever a woman under their custody attempts to leave the country

Rights Advocacy • State Feminism: Government offers minor reforms in order to appeal to Western audiences • Reducing powers of Mutaween 2011, Olympic participation 2012, Voting rights 2015, lifting the driving bad 2018 • Activists often portrayed as foreign agents

Terrorism • 1979 Grand Mosque Seizure – Juhayman al-Otaybi led a revolt to overthrow al Saud – 67 rebels beheaded • 1996 Khobar Towers bombing • Proliferation of minor attacks since 2001.

Long Arms of the Kingdom • Saudi journalist living in exile in the US • Highly critical of MBS and his policies • Killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul

Is there real political participation in Saudi Arabia?

Not Really