Saudi Arabia's Shift Towards a Post-Ideological Era

The article by Muhammad S Balogun explores Saudi Arabia's transition towards a post-ideological phase, particularly under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It notes the recent appointment of Fahd bin Abduljalil bin Ali Al Saif as a senior executive in the Public Investment Fund, succeeding Khalid Al Falih.

This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to attract global capital and modernize the economy. The piece reflects on the historical context of Saudi Arabia's formation, tracing back to the 18th century with the Wahhabi movement and its revolutionary impact on the region.

It discusses the ideological struggles faced by the kingdom, especially following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, which led to a significant shift in power dynamics between the monarchy and religious clerics. The article suggests that the kingdom is now moving towards a more liberal and economically driven governance model, distancing itself from its historically rigid ideological roots.