Jacobin Radio

Dig: Thawra Ep. 12 - Origins of Saudi Reaction

Jun 9, 2024
Abdel Razzaq Takriti discusses Saudi Arabia's 1950s political landscape, royal family dynamics, reactionary shift, and role in counter-revolutionary actions. Explore labor movements, oil workers' influence, and regional conflicts shaping the Gulf region's politics during the 20th century.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

1950s Saudi Radical Openness

  • Saudi Arabia was not always reactionary; the 1950s saw radical nationalists, communists, and active labor movements within the kingdom.
  • King Saud showed some openness to reform, enabling diverse political currents briefly before conservative forces dominated.
INSIGHT

Saudi Royal Family Dynamics

  • The Saudi royal family is large and complex, with power influenced by lineage and maternal tribal connections.
  • King Saud was less capable, while Prince Faisal was politically savvy and more conservative, shaping Saudi politics.
INSIGHT

Aramco and Tariki's Radical Role

  • Aramco was a gigantic American presence, crucial economically and technologically to Saudi Arabia.
  • Abdullah Tariki, the 'Red Sheik', pushed for national control over oil and had pan-Arabist, radical ambitions beyond Saudi borders.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app