사우디아라비아 지도층의 노령화와 권력승계도 연구

Abstract

Saudi Arabia is a host to a society where church and state is united, making it hard to discern religious side from its political side. Saudi Arabia we know of today was officially founded in 1932 by Abdul Aziz, but it's root can be traced to the union of the leader of Saudi clan, Saud, and the religious leader, Abdul Wahab, in 18th century. In other words, alliance between religion and tribalism started from 18th century and it can still be seen in the structure of today's Saudi Arabia. At the center of Saudi Arabia's political thoughts is Wahabism, and the Islamic law, called Sharia, is not only the nation's constitution but it also influences its politic, culture, and society. Saudia Arabia's political structure has not changed much from 1902 when Abdul Aziz captured Riyadh with 40 followers and his tribe began its conquest of Arabian peninsula. In Saudi Arabia, the members of royal family are still acting as the head of Bedouin tribes, and their political system revolves around their royal blood. Today, the tribal leaders, as their ancestors had done, became royal guards, thereby maintaining their sense of oneness centering on the royal lineage and their loyalty toward the royals. This tradition still continues because it symbolizes the fact that the Saud family is recognized by other tribes as their leader, through military conquest of the past and Wahabi movement. However, considering the dwindling health of the current King, who is at 88 years of age and having gone through waist surgery three times, the question of who will succeed the throne will greatly effect the way U.S. will approach their Middle East policy, and Korea's approach to the nation. Also, depending on the successor's character, Saudi's own approach of Middle East peace policy will change. Therefore, this treatise will research Saudi Arabia's aging ruling class and their map of succession, in hopes of aiding Korea's current policy on Saudi Arabia.