I know it's a bit of a PoliSci 200+ question, but I am curious as to how their family has been able to rule for what is approaching to be a century.
I know it's a bit of a PoliSci 200+ question, but I am curious as to how their family has been able to rule for what is approaching to be a century.
I was going to write that it's a mix of 3 things, but they've been pretty well elaborated already.
The Gulf State social model where the numerous relatives of the monarch constitute a sizable upper class, with everyone else being severely repressed
Oil money and fundamentalist ideologies keeping a lid on the figurative pressure cooker
Defense agreements and contracts first with the UK and then with the US. It is true for every monarchy in the region that without the American military alliance, they would crumble.
If the US is no longer in a position to prop up the monarchy then what do you reckon China's response will be. They seem keen to maintain the status quo and not act like the word police. But would they prop up the monarchy to keep things stable or what?
The Al-Saud family maintained their position in the 20th century through splitting their oil wealth/affluence with the Americans, and securing an American outpost in the region. The USA got reliable control over the oil market and a strategic base of operations; the Sauds got the protection of a superpower in case foreign or domestic enemies threatened to topple them. A more democratic government would be less friendly to American privilege.
I don't think China would put a military base in Saudi Arabia and I can't imagine them giving military aid. Without these, the monarchy would be short-lived.
If America withdrew, I think the CPC would adopt a hands-off approach, let things take their course, and be ready to do business with the new government, similar to how things went in Afghanistan.