ABSTRACT

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established itself as the twelfth-largest economy in the world, the largest West Asian economic power, world’s largest oil producer, and a strong and capable force in international politics, particularly in the Sunni Islamic world. However, at present it is at crossroads. Should it continue as a ‘kingdom’ or usher in the process of inclusive political representation?

This volume answers such questions and explores how the state is coping with domestic, regional and global developments to remain relevant in the changing times. It provides a holistic overview of a slew of economic, political, cultural, military and security policy measures that have been initiated by the government. The work also offers a detailed analysis of Saudi Arabia’s relations with three significant powers — USA, China and India — and how they are evolving under new geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics.

This book will interest strategists, policymakers, researchers and students of international relations, geopolitics, political science and political economy as well as the informed reader.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|27 pages

Saudi Arabia

Internal dynamics and absorptive capacity

chapter 2|31 pages

Oil, Islam and Regime Security

chapter 3|40 pages

Saudi Arabia and the United States

Disconnect or still old allies?

chapter 4|45 pages

Saudi–Sino Engagement

Evolving into a ‘special relationship'

chapter 5|81 pages

Saudi Arabia and India

Converging interests

chapter 6|5 pages

Conclusion

King Salman: continuity and change