Archive / Policy Brief
Saudi Arabia: supply-side reform?
17/07/2009 By Ana Echagüe
Characterising reform in Saudi Arabia is difficult due to the pronounced opacity of Saudi policy making. King Abdullah has often been portrayed as a reformer and since his accession to the throne expectations for change have been high.
Tentative measures such as elections to the municipal councils in 2005 have been heralded as signs of incipient democratisation, yet it remains unclear whether recent reforms represent a move towards modernisation, liberalisation or a further consolidation of power. Despite a more open political atmosphere, the promise of liberalisation has not materialised.
In the light of this situation, this Policy Brief by Ana Echagüe explores possible ways forward for the country and the lack of consensus in this regard.
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Keywords
Democratic control Democratisation Middle East Political Reform Saudi ArabiaRelated publications
Bio author: Ana Echagüe
Political reform in the Arab World. Yemen. Saudi Arabia. Democratisation. Gulf Cooperation Council.
