Intelligence Squared The Saudi Project, Part One: The Birth of a Nation
Nov 22, 2023
In this engaging discussion, Madawi Al-Rasheed, a social anthropology professor at LSE and author of 'Salman's Legacy,' dives into the birth of Saudi Arabia. She reveals how the kingdom's rise was intricately linked to its oil wealth and religious dynamics. Al-Rasheed looks at the historical significance of oil in shaping global politics and discusses the country’s efforts to diversify its economy while tackling challenges like labor shortages. Additionally, she examines the complexities of Saudi-British relations amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.
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Foundations of the Saudi State
- The Saudi state, formally recognized in 1932, was built upon two pillars: a historical claim of leadership by the Al Saud family and religion.
- Using Wahhabism, the Al Saud launched conquests, framing them as jihads against Muslims with differing beliefs.
The Impact of Oil
- Oil discovery in Saudi Arabia in the early 20th century transformed the nation's trajectory.
- The abundance, ease of extraction, and strategic location of Saudi oil made it central to Western foreign policy, particularly for the US.
Transformation and Challenges
- Oil wealth transformed Saudi Arabia, leading to modernization efforts and attempts to diversify the economy, like building cities such as Neom.
- Despite social liberalization, the country remains a dictatorship, restricting political and civil rights.
