Abstract:

 “Saudi Arabia: Power, Legitimacy and Survival” gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary trends in Saudi politics, society, economy and international relations. It is a valuable source for those who are interested in a balanced understanding of Saudi Arabia and its vital role in the Middle East and global developments.
The evolution of the Saudi state occurred over three main stages: the formation stage, which ended by 1962, was followed by the transformation of the state into a powerful centralized polity with a capable administrative machinery and the intensification of economic development during the period 1962-1979. The third stage, which started in 1979 and extends up to the present time, witnessed the redirection of the new polity.
The author tackles the main challenges currently facing the Saudi state. He gives special attention to problems faced in the fields of foreign policy and the economy, and the critical role of Saudi Arabia on issues of radical Islamism and its struggle with international terrorism and al-Qaeda since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s through the events of September 11, 2001, and the US-led war on Iraq in 2003.
The author agrees that the current challenges facing the Saudi regime could be remedied only through structural change. However, he believes that the ascension of King Abdullah to the throne may provide the means and the incentives to change the pace of reform. Ultimately, the transformation of political power in Saudi Arabia cannot be done only from the top, but requires the active involvement of the population, whose views need to be articulated through legitimized political organization.