The Saudi Labyrinth: Evaluating the Current Political Opening

Publication Date: March 2006

Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Author(s): Amr Hamzawy

Research Area: Politics

Type: Report

Coverage: Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Recent years have witnessed unprecedented political dynamism in Saudi Arabia. Since 2002, the government has pursued various reform policies. Its most relevant measures have included reforming the Shura Council, holding municipal elections, legalizing civil society actors, implementing educational reform plans, and institutionalizing national dialogue conferences. Two factors--international and domestic reform demands--have injected new elements of dynamism and openness into Saudi Arabia's political reality. They have also generated sufficient incentives for the government to embark on the road of reform.

In a new Carnegie Paper, The Saudi Labyrinth: Evaluating the Current Political Opening, Carnegie Senior Associate Amr Hamzawy discusses the political actors in Saudi Arabia's political scene, recent reform measures, potential for further reform and the role of the United States. Hamzawy argues that although the reforms may seem small to the United States, they are integral steps toward liberalization.