Publication

This brief looks at geopolitical implications of the aging Saudi leadership. It argues that Saudi Arabia's ability to serve as a counterweight to the rise of Iran is intimately linked to the stability of the House of Saud and the need to manage the succession smoothly. Stability will, according to the author, be best preserved when the crown is transferred to a third generation prince who is able to implement the political and social reforms necessary to reconcile conservative Islamic traditions with the growing needs of a youthful population.