Saudi Arabia: The Compatibility of Islam and Democracy
Abstract
Islam continues to be an important ideological political force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The growth of Islamic resurgence in recent years has developed to combat popular and western influence for liberalization, democratization, and socioeconomic reforms. To the Saudis, Islam represents a total way of life, a framework for personal behavior as well as for the state and society. Westernization, in contrast, reflects the separation of church and state, materialism, and individualism, and thus the root cause of political, economic, and social ills. But although westernization is condemned, modernization is not. Science and technology are accepted to the extent change can be subordinated to Islamic beliefs and values. In the post Gulf War period, Saudi Arabia has been pushed to address popular pressure for greater political participation. Some argue that the very reason the Middle East remains unstable is the scarcity of democratic government in the region. The idea that democracies do not make war with each other and that they facilitate free market economies encircles current Washington foreign policy thinking. The Clinton Administration has embraced this concept completely, incorporating it into its own security policy. Given that democracies do not make war with each other, the administration contends, the United States should seek to guarantee its security by promoting democracy abroad. This paper examines the compatibility of Islam and democracy within Saudi Arabia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA441005
Entities
People
- Michael N. Hawrylak
Organizations
- National War College