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Saudi state
The Saudi state emerged as a modern polity on the Arabian Peninsula under the leadership of the Al Saud family and has been central to regional affairs in the Middle East. Its development intertwined with movements such as Wahhabism, tribal confederations, and interactions with the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire, and later global actors like the United States and the Soviet Union. Its institutions include monarchic offices, ministries, and councils that shaped relations with entities like the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The formation of the Saudi polity traces to the alliance between Muhammad ibn Saud and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab during the 18th century, a process linked to events such as the First Saudi State and the Rashidi–Al Saud conflicts. The fall of the First Saudi State led to the rise of the Second Saudi State and internecine struggles involving figures like Abdulaziz ibn Saud, who led campaigns culminating in the capture of Riyadh and the unification wars that created the contemporary realm. Key episodes include confrontations with the Ottoman Empire, diplomatic accords with the United Kingdom, treaties influencing oil concessions with companies like Standard Oil of California and agreements involving Aramco, and the discovery of oil at Dammam No. 7 near Dhahran. The 20th century saw engagement with transnational movements, participation in the Arab League, involvement in the Six-Day War, and responses to events such as the Iran–Iraq War and the Gulf War. Domestic incidents like the Qatif conflict, the 1979 Grand Mosque seizure, and the 2003–2006 2003 Riyadh bombings influenced security policies and reforms under rulers including Ibn Saud, King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman.
Political authority rests with the royal family and institutions such as the Council of Ministers, the Shura Council, and advisory bodies that interact with ministries like the Ministry of Interior (Saudi Arabia), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Saudi Arabia), and the Ministry of Defense (Saudi Arabia). Succession practices involve the Al Saud lineage and the office of the Crown Prince. Political reforms have referenced models from states such as the United Kingdom and the United States, while domestic policy debates cite precedents from Egypt and Turkey. Political crises have prompted measures involving the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice and security agencies cooperating with partners like the Central Intelligence Agency and the MI6.
The state's territory spans regions including the Hejaz, the Najd, the Eastern Province, and the Asir Region, featuring geographic landmarks such as the Rub' al Khali, the Tuwaiq Escarpment, and the coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Major cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Dammam. Demographic patterns reflect populations from tribal groups like the Al Murrah and Shammar, as well as expatriate communities from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Egypt. Urbanization trends connect to projects such as Riyadh Metro and developments in economic zones like the King Abdullah Economic City and Neom.
The economic structure centers on energy resources controlled by entities such as Saudi Aramco and shaped by institutions like the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and agreements with multinational corporations including ExxonMobil and BP. Revenue from oil exports through terminals like Ras Tanura financed infrastructure, social programs, and sovereign investments via the Public Investment Fund. Diversification initiatives reference models from United Arab Emirates and Qatar in sectors including petrochemicals led by SABIC, finance involving the Tadawul stock exchange, tourism initiatives tied to pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, and projects in entertainment influenced by partnerships with companies such as Live Nation. Economic shocks have corresponded to global events like the 1973 oil embargo, fluctuations in Brent crude oil prices, and the 2008 financial crisis.
Cultural life is shaped by Islamic heritage centered on institutions like the Masjid al-Haram and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, religious scholarship associated with figures connected to Hanbali school traditions, and Sufi orders present historically in regions such as Asir. Literary production includes poets in the tradition of pre-Islamic poetry and modern writers who participate in forums like the Jeddah Literary Festival. Sports follow national teams competing in tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup, while cultural festivals intersect with events such as the Janadriyah festival and the Riyadh Season. Educational institutions include the King Saud University, the King Abdulaziz University, and collaborations with international universities such as Harvard University and Imperial College London.
Foreign policy has engaged with actors such as the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and regional partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League. Military capabilities involve forces organized within the Ministry of Defense (Saudi Arabia) and procurement from suppliers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and BAE Systems. The state participated in coalitions during the Gulf War and led operations in the Yemen Civil War alongside partners including the United Arab Emirates and engaged diplomatically in negotiations mediated by the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear non-proliferation matters.
The legal framework draws from sources such as Sharia as interpreted by jurists trained in religious schools associated with scholars in the region, and codified regulations implemented by courts including the Board of Grievances. Reforms have addressed issues raised by organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International and by interlocutors from the United Nations Human Rights Council. High-profile cases prompted scrutiny from foreign governments including the United States Department of State and parliamentary bodies such as the European Parliament, leading to debates on practices involving detention centers, the role of the Specialised Criminal Court (Saudi Arabia), and compliance with international treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Category:History of the Arabian Peninsula