From Businessmen Cabinet to Military Inc.: The Transformation of the Saudi Business Elite

The Saudi business elite has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. From a group of businessmen with close ties to the royal family, the business elite has become a more independent and assertive force in Saudi politics. This transformation has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of a new generation of business leaders, the increasing importance of the private sector in the Saudi economy, and the growing assertiveness of the Saudi military.

Cronyism and Elite Capture in Egypt: From Businessmen Cabinet to Military Inc. (Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Politics)

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This book examines the changing role of the Saudi business elite in the kingdom's political economy. Drawing on extensive fieldwork and interviews with key actors, the book argues that the business elite has become a more independent and assertive force in Saudi politics. This transformation has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of a new generation of business leaders, the increasing importance of the private sector in the Saudi economy, and the growing assertiveness of the Saudi military.

The Rise of a New Generation of Business Leaders

The rise of a new generation of business leaders has been a major factor in the transformation of the Saudi business elite. These new leaders are more likely to have been educated abroad and to have worked in the private sector before starting their own businesses. They are also more likely to be critical of the government and to be willing to voice their opinions.

The new generation of business leaders is also more likely to be active in politics. They are more likely to run for office and to support political candidates. They are also more likely to be involved in public policy debates.

The Increasing Importance of the Private Sector

The increasing importance of the private sector in the Saudi economy has also contributed to the transformation of the business elite. In the past, the Saudi economy was dominated by the state-owned oil industry. However, in recent years, the private sector has grown rapidly and now accounts for a significant share of the economy.

The growth of the private sector has given the business elite more economic clout. It has also made the business elite more independent of the government. In the past, the business elite was dependent on the government for contracts and other favors. However, the growth of the private sector has given the business elite more options and has made it less dependent on the government.

The Growing Assertiveness of the Saudi Military

The growing assertiveness of the Saudi military has also contributed to the transformation of the business elite. In the past, the Saudi military was not a major player in politics. However, in recent years, the military has become more involved in politics and has been a major force behind the rise of the new generation of business leaders.

The military's growing assertiveness is due to a number of factors, including the rise of a new generation of military leaders, the increasing importance of the military in the Saudi economy, and the growing threat from Iran.

The new generation of military leaders is more likely to be assertive and to be willing to voice their opinions. They are also more likely to be critical of the government and to be willing to challenge the status quo.

The increasing importance of the military in the Saudi economy has also given the military more clout. The military is now a major consumer of goods and services, and it has a significant impact on the Saudi economy.

The growing threat from Iran has also made the military more assertive. The military is now seen as a key player in the defense of Saudi Arabia against Iran.

The Changing Relationship Between the Business Elite and the State

The changing role of the business elite has had a significant impact on the relationship between the business elite and the state. In the past, the business elite was closely tied to the royal family and was dependent on the government for contracts and other favors. However, in recent years, the business elite has become more independent and has been more willing to challenge the government.

The changing relationship between the business elite and the state is likely to continue in the years to come. The business elite is likely to become more independent and assertive, and the government is likely to become more dependent on the business elite for economic growth.

The Saudi business elite has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. From a group of businessmen with close ties to the royal family, the business elite has become a more independent and assertive force in Saudi politics. This transformation has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of a new generation of business leaders, the increasing importance of the private sector in the Saudi economy, and the growing assertiveness of the Saudi military. The changing role of the business elite is likely to have a significant impact on the future of Saudi Arabia's political economy.

Cronyism and Elite Capture in Egypt: From Businessmen Cabinet to Military Inc. (Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Politics)

5 out of 5

FREE