Tradition- Modernism Cleavage and Political Stability in Saudi Arabia

This paper seeks to study the effects of tradition - modernism cleavage on the political stability in Saudi Arabia. For decades, Wahhabi scholars have promoted Salafi values and beliefs, and as a result have strengthened traditional and conservative tendencies in the Saudi society, despite the decades of efforts made by Saudi leaders to advance the process of modernization in order to consolidate their power and improve governance. However, despite some challenges, the management of the tradition - modernism cleavage by Saudi leaders have sustained political stability in the country. During the Reign of King Salman, a new and rapid process of modernization began under the leadership of MBS. This newly-emerged trend is accompanied by a number of dimensions, such as restriction of Wahhabi scholars, concentration on generational changes and also cultural and social reforms with a focus on women’s situation, raises important questions about Saudi political stability. This article makes two interrelated arguments; first, it contributes that the MBS reformist policies and new developments regarding tradition - modernism cleavage causes some challenges like declining the legitimacy of government and growing tendency of people towards extremist groups. Second, these development will not lead to fundamental changes in the Saudi political system.