Saudi government
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| Saudi government | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conventional long name | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Native name | المملكة العربية السعودية |
| Government type | Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy |
| Capital | Riyadh |
| Monarch | Salman of Saudi Arabia |
| Crown prince | Mohammed bin Salman |
| Prime minister | Salman of Saudi Arabia |
| Established | 23 September 1932 |
Saudi government
The political organization of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia centers on the monarchy of Salman of Saudi Arabia and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, operating within a framework influenced by Islamic law and historical agreements with the House of Saud. Major institutions include the Council of Ministers (Saudi Arabia), the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, and a judiciary rooted in Sharia. Saudi governance has been shaped by events such as the formation of the modern state under Ibn Saud, the discovery of oil at Dammam oil field, and regional crises including the Gulf War and the Arab Spring.
History
The modern polity traces to the unification by Abdulaziz Al Saud (Ibn Saud) culminating in the 1932 declaration and subsequent treaties with the United Kingdom and later relationships with United States oil companies like the Saudi–American Oil Company. The kingdom’s political evolution involved alliances with the religious establishment represented by figures associated with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and institutions such as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. Postwar transformations were influenced by leaders including Faisal of Saudi Arabia, King Khalid, King Fahd, and Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, with reforms tied to projects like Vision 2030 and responses to events like the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the 2011 Arab Spring protests in Saudi Arabia. Security challenges have included the Yemeni Civil War (2014–present), tensions with Iran, and incidents involving Al Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Constitutional framework and legal system
Saudi political legitimacy is derived from the royal decrees of the House of Saud and interpretations of Sharia by courts influenced by scholars linked historically to the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Key legal instruments include royal orders issued by Salman of Saudi Arabia and policies advanced under Mohammed bin Salman, intersecting with administrative bodies such as the Ministry of Justice (Saudi Arabia) and the Board of Grievances. The legal landscape engages with international agreements like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations in foreign affairs and with regional mechanisms such as the Gulf Cooperation Council for cooperation on law enforcement, counterterrorism initiatives tied to Financial Action Task Force standards, and labor frameworks impacting migrant workers from countries including India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Executive branch
Executive authority is concentrated in the monarch and the Council of Ministers (Saudi Arabia), chaired by the king and including ministers overseeing portfolios such as the Ministry of Interior (Saudi Arabia), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Saudi Arabia), the Ministry of Finance (Saudi Arabia), the Ministry of Energy (Saudi Arabia), and the Ministry of Investment (Saudi Arabia). The royal court and offices like the Royal Guard and the Diwan of the King coordinate domestic policy and royal directives. Economic stewardship links the executive to entities including Saudi Aramco, the Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia), and state development plans exemplified by Vision 2030. The executive also commands security institutions such as the Ministry of Defence (Saudi Arabia), the Royal Saudi Land Forces, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and the Special Emergency Force.
Legislative institutions
Legislative functions are exercised primarily through royal decrees and consultation with the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia (Majlis ash-Shura), whose membership is appointed by the monarch and includes experts connected to universities like King Saud University and ministries such as the Ministry of Commerce (Saudi Arabia). Municipal councils in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam provide local deliberation alongside entities such as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (now SAMA) and regulatory bodies like the Capital Market Authority (Saudi Arabia). Legislative interactions extend to international legislative exchanges with parliaments of the United Kingdom, the United States Congress, and members of the Council of Foreign Relations through diplomatic channels.
Judicial system
The judiciary is anchored in Sharia courts presided over by judges influenced by jurisprudential traditions associated with scholars from the Hanbali school and institutions such as the office of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. Specialized tribunals include the Board of Grievances and commercial courts handling disputes involving corporations like Saudi Aramco and international investors including firms from China, Japan, and South Korea. The judicial apparatus interfaces with law enforcement bodies like the Public Prosecution (Saudi Arabia), the General Directorate of Public Security, and corrections overseen by the Ministry of Interior (Saudi Arabia).
Provincial and local government
Saudi Arabia is divided into provinces such as Riyadh Province, Makkah Province, Eastern Province (Saudi Arabia), and Asir Province, each administered by governors appointed from the House of Saud or royal appointees. Municipal governance in metropolitan areas like Jeddah and Mecca involves municipal councils liaising with national ministries and development agencies like the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Royal Commission for Al-Ula. Local security coordination includes provincial commands of the Royal Saudi Land Forces and intelligence units linked to the General Intelligence Directorate.
Foreign policy and defense
Foreign relations are conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Saudi Arabia) with diplomatic missions to states including the United States, China, Russia, United Kingdom, and regional partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Defense policy is implemented through procurement partnerships with firms such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Raytheon Technologies, and cooperation with allies via exercises with the United States Central Command and participation in coalitions during conflicts like operations related to the Yemeni Civil War (2014–present). Saudi diplomacy engages multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the Arab League, the OPEC Secretariat, and the Islamic Development Bank while balancing relations with regional actors like Iran and Turkey.
Category:Politics of Saudi Arabia