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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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International Relations

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Selected Works

2012

Saudi Arabia

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Soft Power Of Saudi Arabia, Giulio M. Gallarotti, Isam Yahia Al Filali Dec 2011

The Soft Power Of Saudi Arabia, Giulio M. Gallarotti, Isam Yahia Al Filali

Giulio M Gallarotti

When people are asked the question, What is the source of Saudi Arabia’s power? Who would cite factors other than oil? This equation of Saudi power exclusively with its oil wealth is mistaken. Historically, a principal and the most consistent source of Saudi power at the domestic, regional and global levels has not been revenues from oil, but the cultural power that inheres in a Kingdom that is both the capitol of the Muslim and Arab worlds. This soft power accounts for as much, if not more, of Saudi influence than even oil itself. To a large extent, this power …


Smart Development: Saudi Arabia's Quest For A Knowledge Economy, Giulio M. Gallarotti, Isam Yahia Al Filali Dec 2011

Smart Development: Saudi Arabia's Quest For A Knowledge Economy, Giulio M. Gallarotti, Isam Yahia Al Filali

Giulio M Gallarotti

Nations that have sought to overcome the resource curse and other barriers to economic growth have for some time sought greater development through a number of strategies: from import substitution in the 1950s to current strategies based on microfinance and human-capabilities approaches. Needless to say, the international community is still searching for the elusive Holy Grail of the optimal development strategy. One strategy that is gaining greater attention and adherents is that of promoting a transition to a knowledge economy. This paper is about one such nation: Saudi Arabia. In analyzing the Kingdom’s quest for a knowledge economy, this article …