Leiden University Student Repository

Varela Cid, António (2023)

SHIFTING SANDS OF DEVELOPMENT: UNRAVELLING THE COMPLEX SAUDI GOVERNMENT - ARAMCO RELATIONSHIP

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

This thesis investigates the relationship between the Saudi government and Aramco, the country’s major oil and gas company and one of the world’s largest. By uncovering the historical backdrop of this relationship, from the discovery of oil to the recent initial public offering (IPO) in 2019, this research explores the evolving dynamics of governance and authority within this relationship and its far-reaching implications for the broader Saudi Arabian landscape. After unpacking the events, actors and factors that have shaped this relationship over the years, this thesis will argue that the relationship between the two parties is closer and more interlocking than what is generally depicted, with the state having substantial influence over Aramco’s operations and governance. The findings provide insights into the changes and continuity of the investigated relationship, as well as contribute to an in-depth understanding of the governance dynamics and implications to the larger Saudi...Show moreThis thesis investigates the relationship between the Saudi government and Aramco, the country’s major oil and gas company and one of the world’s largest. By uncovering the historical backdrop of this relationship, from the discovery of oil to the recent initial public offering (IPO) in 2019, this research explores the evolving dynamics of governance and authority within this relationship and its far-reaching implications for the broader Saudi Arabian landscape. After unpacking the events, actors and factors that have shaped this relationship over the years, this thesis will argue that the relationship between the two parties is closer and more interlocking than what is generally depicted, with the state having substantial influence over Aramco’s operations and governance. The findings provide insights into the changes and continuity of the investigated relationship, as well as contribute to an in-depth understanding of the governance dynamics and implications to the larger Saudi Arabian landscape. Understanding the weight of this relationship is essential when analysing Aramco’s future trajectory and, to some degree, Saudi Arabia’s future.Show less

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco

National Oil Company

Saudi Vision 2030

Governance

Oil.

Author

Varela Cid, António

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Global Political Economy

Supervisors

Ennis, C.A.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en