Introduction to Saudi Arabia and its Leadership

Flashcards covering key concepts and figures related to Saudi Arabia's political landscape and history.

MBS

Acronym for Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia since 2017.

Dynasty

A succession of rulers from the same family line; the Saudi ruling family is known as the House of Saud.

Wahhabism

A conservative, puritanical form of Sunni Islam that is the dominant ideology in Saudi Arabia.

Mabahid

The secret police and religious police in Saudi Arabia, enforcing strict interpretations of Islamic law.

Tiger Squad

A smaller, covert group within Saudi Arabia, responsible for carrying out brutal operations for the regime.

Nepotism

Favoritism granted to relatives or close friends without regard to merit, as seen in Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power.

Aramco

The state-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia, vital for the country's economy and the site of expatriate workers.

Human Rights Violations

Abuses committed by states or organizations against individuals or groups; prevalent in Saudi Arabia under MBS.

Jamal Khashoggi

A Saudi journalist and critic of the government who was murdered in 2018 after visiting the Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Consulate

A diplomatic office that handles minor governmental functions, such as visa application processes.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not accountable to the public.

Succession Crisis

A dispute over the right to rule, often leading to conflict; historical context within Sunni and Shia Islam.

Middle Eastern

Relating to the region encompassing Western Asia and parts of North Africa, often characterized by complex political dynamics.

Diplomatic Relations

The formal interactions between sovereign states and their representatives to manage foreign affairs.

Political Repression

The active and passive suppression of political dissent, often implemented through force by governments.

Legal Residency

Status granted to a foreign national, allowing them to live in a country with the ability to participate in certain activities.