Saudi Arabia: Between the Name of God and the Politics of Power(Part 1) Author: Gouya Roshan


Saudi Arabia: Between the Name of God and the Politics of Power(Part 1)

Saudi Arabia, a country whose historical legitimacy has been built upon the unity of religion and the state, is currently experiencing one of the most complex phases of its modern history. While it presents itself as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, it is simultaneously redefining its role within the international system, the global economy, and regional relations. This duality raises a fundamental question for observers: Is politics in Saudi Arabia still serving religion, or has religion become an instrument for preserving political power?

Over recent decades, religion has been not only a part of Saudi Arabia’s national identity but also a cornerstone of the state's legitimacy. However, the broad social and economic reforms of recent years—from expanding the tourism and entertainment sectors to limiting the influence of religious institutions—suggest that the government's priorities are changing. These transformations are not merely cultural; rather, they reflect a political calculation aimed at preserving power in a world that is no longer defined solely by oil revenues and traditional legitimacy.

Saudi Arabia's foreign policy has always sought to balance religious aspirations with national interests. From its rivalry with Iran and its ambition to lead the Arab and Islamic worlds to the normalization of relations with certain regional actors and the expansion of cooperation with global superpowers, the most prominent feature of its foreign policy has been the predominance of the balance of power over ideological slogans. Today, more than ever before, Saudi Arabia finds itself caught between two narratives: one that derives its legitimacy from the "Name of God," and another that seeks to secure its survival and influence through the politics of power. The future of the country will not be determined by eliminating either narrative, but by its ability to find a balance between them—a balance whose loss would affect not only Saudi Arabia's internal political structure but also the balance of power throughout the Middle East.


 

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