Research Political Geography Quarterly

The Political Geography of Saudi Arabia with Emphasis on Internal Divisions

Document Type : مقالات علمی -پژوهشی

Authors

Mohammadreza Joufar 1
Alireza Mehrabi 2
Hamidreza Mohamadi 2

1 PhD student in Political Geography, Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Political Geography, Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2025.90400.1315
Abstract
Saudi Arabia, as a newly established country rooted in a tribal-religious system, is governed as a monarchy. The presence of a semi-traditional and semi-modern society has led to political, cultural, and economic challenges and discontent among its people. Founded in 1932, Saudi Arabia’s short history, along with its ethnic, racial, religious, and ideological diversity, has contributed to internal challenges. These issues arise from the political geography of the Saudi kingdom, and understanding them is key for accurate analysis and future research on the country. In addition to its maritime border with Iran, Saudi Arabia holds significant ideological influence in the Islamic world. The presence of the two holy cities, Mecca and Medina, the influx of Iranian pilgrims, and its rivalry with the Islamic Republic of Iran for leadership in the Muslim world further enhance its importance. This study aims to explore and explain the internal dynamics and political geography of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the country's internal divisions. The research is practical, employing a qualitative, analytical-explanatory approach. Data were collected through documentary and library research, as well as interviews. The central question this research addresses is: "What are the political-geographical divisions in Saudi Arabia?" The study concludes that Saudi Arabia faces religious, ethnic-tribal, economic, and political divisions. If these divisions are not properly managed, the kingdom could face internal tensions between Shiites and Sunnis, elites, tribes, traditionalists, reformists, and the younger generation. These divisions have the potential to threaten the stability and survival of the Al Saud regime.

Keywords

Political geography
Saudi Arabia
Internal Divisions
society
challenge
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Research Political Geography Quarterly
Volume 9, Issue 4 - Serial Number 36
Winter 2025
Pages 105-128

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