ABSTRACT
Scholars, policymakers, and journalists alike often raise questions about the stability of the Saudi regime in light of its leadership's age, particularly in terms of a stable and peaceful succession. King Abdullah is 88, 1 Crown Prince Salman is 77, 2 and even the more junior princes, sons of King Abdul-Aziz al-Saud, are in their late 60s to mid 70s. The Kingdom's stability is not only important within Saudi Arabia, but is of interest to the world at large. As the planet's largest oil exporter and, increasingly, a supplier of chemicals, metals, and fertilizers to the Far East, events in the country fundamentally impact the world economy. Furthermore, the socioeconomic stability of the Kingdom has an impact on less wealthy countries, including India and Pakistan, which are reliant on over $20 billion in yearly remittances from seven to eight million migrant workers. Saudi Arabia has also become a leader in the Arab world and is a country that, until the uprising in Bahrain, had promoted dialogue in many regional conflicts. It is known to oppose war with Iran 3 and to desire a peaceful solution in Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan, whether or not its allies, such as the United States, agree with its views.
