Saudi Arabia
Subtitle: uncertain stability : Persian Gulf futures III
By: by Judith S. Yaphe
Contributors: National Defense University. Institute for National Strategic Studies
Series: Strategic forum -- no. 125
Publisher: National Defense University, Institute for National Strategic Studies
Published: 1997
Place of publication: [Washington, D.C.?]
Language: eng
Subjects: Military assistance, American -- Saudi Arabia; Saudi Arabia -- Politics and government; United States -- Foreign relations -- Saudi Arabia; Saudi Arabia -- Foreign relations -- United States
Other titles: Persian Gulf futures III
Description: Saudi Arabia has been one of the most stable of the U.S. allies in the Arab Middle East and a long-time collaborator in assuring oil production at reasonable prices. Saudi Arabia is also a state in transition, presided over by an ailing monarch and an extensive family network whose princes play a prominent role in the country's political and economic life. The economy is plagued by overspending, domestic debt, and uncertain income from oil revenues. The social compact between the Al Sa'ud rulers and the ruled is showing signs of fraying as royals compete with commoners for allocation of the country's wealth and resources. A growing number of Saudis, encouraged perhaps by the regime's Islamist critics, are calling for greater participation and accountability in government. They are not calling for western-style democratic institutions, seeing these perhaps as too innovative and threatening for their fragile, conservative society. Leadership change, when it comes, is likely to produce little change in basic policies and threat perceptions. The ruling family is large, and its relationships in society are too extensive to be easily overturned. Most elites share the Al Sa'uds' prejudices: support for Islamist causes, suspicions of U.S. intentions, and reluctance to rely solely on the United States for its protection.
Notes: Caption title

Shipping list no.: 97-0328-P

"July 1997."

Also available via Internet from the Institute for National Strategic Studies web site