Saudi Arabia at a Crossroads

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Saudi Arabia stands at a crossroads, balancing its traditional tribal structure, the influence of its ruling family, its immense wealth from oil reserves, its religious significance as the home of Islam's two holiest sites, and its strategic alliance with the United States. This course explores Saudi Arabia's unique characteristics and how they impact the country's political landscape, particularly regarding the development of democracy. Students will analyze why Saudi Arabia's political system differs from other Arab countries' political regimes that were impacted by the democratization wave during the Arab Spring period, which led Saudi Arabia to survive the wave. The course will examine the challenges and prospects for democratic reform in the country.