Historical Encyclopedia
The state system of Saudi Arabia, one of the key countries in the Middle East, has undergone a long evolutionary process that has shaped its political and administrative structure. From the inception of Arab tribes and the first Islamic rulings to the modern absolute monarchical regime, the country has experienced numerous changes that reflect both internal transformations and the influence of external factors. Let us consider the stages in the evolution of the state system of Saudi Arabia, from its origins to the present day.
Throughout the early centuries of the history of the Arabian Peninsula, the primary political formations were tribal alliances, each possessing its own governance system. Tribes in Saudi Arabia lived in conditions of nomadism, and power was decentralized, concentrated in the hands of elders and chiefs.
However, Islam, which emerged in the 7th century, became a catalyst for significant changes. The Prophet Muhammad established the first like-minded political and religious center, laying the groundwork for the unification of Arab tribes and the creation of the first Islamic states. After Muhammad's death, power in the Muslim world transitioned to the caliphs, which became the basis for the formation of a more centralized authority in the Islamic world.
Saudi Arabia as a unified state began its history in the 18th century with the establishment of the first Saudi state. In 1744, Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab formed an alliance with the local ruler, Muhammad ibn Saud. This alliance played a key role in the formation of an Islamic state based on strict adherence to the teachings of Wahhabism—the religious ideology that became the official ideology of the country.
The first Saudi state existed from 1744 to 1818 but was destroyed during the Ottoman invasion. Nonetheless, thanks to the ideas and leadership of Saud, Wahhabism and the Saudi dynasty continued to influence the political development of the region.
In the latter half of the 19th century, the Saudi dynasty revived its influence, beginning the struggle for control over the Arabian Peninsula. In 1902, Abdulaziz ibn Saud, a descendant of the dynasty's founder, captured Riyadh, returning to political power. His ambitions to unite Arab lands using both military force and the religious authority of Wahhabism led to the establishment of a new state.
After decades of struggle and numerous conquests, Abdulaziz proclaimed the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. He became the first king of the country, laying the foundations for the modern political regime.
The creation of Saudi Arabia as a unified state led to the establishment of an absolute monarchy. Abdulaziz ibn Saud concentrated all key functions of power in his hands, from executive to judicial. Wisely utilizing the religious legitimacy of Wahhabism, he also maintained a strong connection with local tribes, thus ensuring stability in his rule.
The political system of Saudi Arabia remained an absolute monarchy even after Abdulaziz's death in 1953. His sons continued to rule while maintaining the political model based on a strict hierarchy, where the king and his family played a central role. This rule was based on the principles of Wahhabism, making religious authority an integral part of the country's political structure.
Since the early 1970s, Saudi Arabia began the process of modernization. The discovery of major oil fields in the country during the 1930s ensured its economic prosperity, allowing the state to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors. Oil revenues became the basis for the creation of modern cities and a powerful economy.
However, despite economic successes, the political system remained unchanged. The kings of Saudi Arabia continued to rule with absolute power, without significant political reforms. Throughout this time, strict censorship was enforced, and political opposition was almost completely suppressed.
King Abdullah ibn Abaziz, who ascended to the throne in 2005, became one of the most well-known Saudi monarchs to initiate reforms in various aspects of life. Under his leadership, efforts were made to modernize the political system. In 2005, Saudi Arabia held local elections for the first time, although they did not grant real power to local authorities.
Also under Abdullah's reign, measures were taken to improve the status of women in society. Although Saudi Arabia remained a strict Islamic state, steps to reduce restrictions on women began in the 2010s, including the ability to drive, participate in elections, and work in certain sectors.
After the death of King Abdullah in 2015, power passed to his brother Salman ibn Abdulaziz. The new monarch continued the course of reforms but also faced new challenges, including falling oil prices and the need to diversify the economy. One of the largest projects was the "Vision 2030" initiative aimed at reducing dependence on oil and developing other sectors of the economy, such as tourism, technology, and infrastructure.
With the introduction of "Vision 2030," King Salman also focused on enhancing the role of women in society, as well as improving social welfare and supporting small and medium-sized businesses. However, despite these progressive steps, the political system remained monarchical, and significant changes in terms of political freedom or human rights had yet to be realized.
The evolution of the state system in Saudi Arabia reflects its unique political and religious structure, in which power has always been concentrated in the hands of the monarch. In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has sought modernization and diversification of the economy, which has been accompanied by gradual reforms in women's rights and social changes. Nevertheless, the political system of the country largely remains unchanged, and the monarchy continues to be the dominant force in governing the state.