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Saudi Arabia. The time of troubles: Both repression and “liberalization”
 
PIIS032150750022717-0-1
DOI10.31857/S032150750022717-0
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Aleksei M. Vasiliev 
Occupation: President Emeritus of IAS RAS
Affiliation:
Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (IAS RAS)
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Address: Moscow, 30/1, Spiridonovka Str., Moscow, 123001, Russian Federation
Journal nameAsia and Africa Today
EditionIssue 10
Pages15-26
Abstract

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the task to separate itself from extremist and terrorist activities became urgent for the Saudi government and the Wahhabi corporation. The period of liberalization started: freedom of the media was declared, national dialogues were promoted, some academic and school programs were changed. Pro-government “liberals” started a discussion about the establishment of “a state of institutions” (i.e., a constitutional monarchy). “Liberalization” was short-lived and new repressions began. The Arab Spring practically did not come to Saudi Arabia. The government could calm down possible unrest by generous multi-billion social measures and concessions in the sphere of women’s rights. But at the same time the suppression of organized opposition continued.

The “Muslim Brothers” were officially designated as a terrorist organization. A coup d’état in Egypt against the rule of the “Muslim Brothers” was welcomed by Riyadh, and the new military government in Cairo received financial and political support from the kingdom.

A temporary strengthening of Al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria shifted the terrorist activity across the border. On the regional level, Sunni-Shiah contradictions engendered a cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

At the end of King Abdullah’s rule, the country already was an important international actor in the field of oil, petrochemicals, and finances. But its archaic socio-political system became a danger to internal stability and economic development. The situation demanded serious reforms.

KeywordsSaudi “liberalization”, Arab Spring, contradictions, repressions and “reforms”
Received02.08.2022
Publication date11.11.2022
Number of characters49649
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