The Role of Religion and Politics in the Evolution of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is historically grounded in Wahhabism, a form of Islam that partnered with the government and helped unify numerous tribes living in the Arabian Peninsula. This alliance, known as the Pact of 1744, created two monopolies of influence religious clerics and the royal family which legitimized each other and served as the foundation of Saudi society. This relationship has been symbiotic; however, it has also conflicted over modernization efforts. In the regional context, Saudi Arabia continues to be an ideological force for the Muslim world and partially secured this position due to the presence of its key religious cities, Mecca and Medina. The impact of this continued connection between religion and politics is examined through literature detailing Islam, religious reform, and government leadership to detail its role in the evolution of Saudi Arabia