Niblock begins his history of Saudi Arabia with topics of contemporary
interest such as oil and gas,
international
terrorism, and Middle Eastern
security, but his particular focus is on the internal dynamics of the
Saudi state. He describes its sources of legitimacy — ideological,
traditional, personal, eudaemonic, and democratic/structural —
and its sources of support in the royal family, religious and tribal
constituencies, a Najdi geographical core, merchants and the commercial
bourgeoisie, the technocratic and administrative elite, and
international connections.
After that introduction, three chapters present a chronological history.
The first covers state formation, starting with the 1744 alliance between
ibn `Abd Al-Wahhab and the house of Al Su''''ud and briefly tracing the
uncertain course of the early Saudi states. Oil revenues began in 1948,
there was a confrontation with Nasser''''s Egypt, and the international
environment changed dramatically. The state failed to adapt, however,
and the power struggle between Faisal and Su''''ud between 1958 and 1962
was decided by traditional sources of power.
The period from 1962 to 1979 saw Faisal''''s creation of a new polity
(though Faisal became king in late 1964 and died in 1975, Niblock sees
policy across the period as consistent). Saudi Arabia became a powerful
centralised state wielding a capable administrative machinery, with
eudaemonic legitimacy from delivering benefits directly to the population.
And extensive economic and social development occurred.
1979 brought not only the Iranian Revolution but the seizure of the Great
Mosque in Mecca by discontented Islamists. Rather than liberalisation
or reform, the Saudi response was to re-assert its Islamic credentials
and affirm links to the religious leadership. And the alliance with the
United States strengthened, especially after the 1990 Iraqi invasion of
Kuwait and the Gulf War. Niblock surveys the variety of critics and
calls for reform, both Islamic and liberal: "In a system where civil
associations seeking political reform are not permitted, the only
available alternatives are subversion or collaboration." The state
response was limited: the introduction of a Basic Law, a Consultative
Assembly, and provincial councils.
The economic challenges facing Saudi Arabia include unemployment and
dependence on migrant labour, inequity in distribution of wealth, lack
of investment in social and physical infrastructure, and a lack of long
term planning. But there was steady progress towards WTO membership
(achieved in December 2005), with encouragement of foreign investment,
moves towards privatisation, and so forth. As well as increasing
liberalisation, Niblock sees a need for broader labour reforms and
investment in education, health and welfare.
The Saudi alliance with the United States has evolved with events. The
Iranian Revolution and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan created common
strategic interests, most notably in backing the Afghan mujahidin.
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the increasing threat of
terrorism brought challenges. While economic ties remain strong, the broader
US alliance has become problematic since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Saudi Arabia faces a dilemma reconciling domestic pressures, security,
and its international diplomacy.
In his conclusion Niblock offers some suggestions as to how the Saudi
state could move to a more secure basis, with a diversified economy and
a political system with democratic/structural legitimacy. He suggests
the ascension of King `Abdallah "may provide the means and the incentive
to change the pace of reform".
Saudi Arabia: Power, Legitimacy and Survival is occasionally dry but
never dull; it is an accessible introduction to the unique political
structure of the Saudi state and its adaptation to the modern world.