POLI 341 Lecture Notes - Dementia, Saudi Aramco, Shia Islam
20 Sep 2013
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Document Summary
Important religious center: birthplace of prophet mohammed and the site for hajj, birthplace of islam and the quoran. Geographical significance: important for the region and for external actors. Kingdom was established by king abdul aziz bin saud (where we get the name saudi arabia: his decedents are still the kinds of saudi arabia, tied to family foundation. Monarchy followed the saud family in control of political aspects. Also a very effective balance of power with religious leadership. Saudi arabia self-identifies as islamic state: no written constitution; law based on sharia and customary laws. Absolute monarchy: current king abdullah was in power since 2005, 90 years old, his successor has been named (complex system deciding who will follow next because all of the sons are quite old) Government structure: dominated by the al saud family and it is very extensive at all levels, estimated 7,000 princes, allegiance commission is set up to decide who next king will be.
