Terrorism and Saudi Arabia

Abstract

It is obvious that the events of September 11, 2001, triggered disputes about a detailed, comprehensive definition of terrorism. But there is still no unified or "universal" definition for terrorism. Such disputes will not result in an agreeable consensus and will make no notable benchmark towards the understanding of terrorism. This work tends to shed light on patterns, current trends and future threats of terrorism worldwide while stressing on the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the negative and drastic effects and consequences it produces locally, regionally, and internationally. First, a general overview of the definition of terrorism shows it as an instrument of ideological struggle and draws patterns of government and Wahhabi politics in Saudi Arabia. The second chapter explores Al Saud's authority and power. It reveals how this legitimacy is based on the success of the rulers' military conquests in the 1920s and the 1930s and on their alliance with the religious authorities. Promoting the diversification of the economy and democracy is not positively assessed by the religious establishment, which breeds internal dissent. The third part of this work looks into the political economy of terrorism and the relationship between globalization and terrorist financing before examining the ways to counter terrorism. In the last decade, fundamentalism has evolved and countering terrorist groups or networks thus requiring the adaptation to new fronts. International cooperation is imperative. Freedoms and good governance are a necessity for Muslim societies if they were to escape Islamist threats. This thesis relied on the study of relevant literature on Terrorism in Saudi Arabia in order to analyze the developing conceptualization of terrorism with its different and various causes and consequences.