Transnational Salafism in Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Politics: A Valuable Instrument or an Uncontrollable Ideology

The importance of religious world views cannot be understated for contemporary events in the Middle East; Religious Ideology remains a powerful mobilizer. The “Salafi” variation of Islam spans a politically quietist majority, few politically active individuals and groups, and of course politically violent and terrorist groups. The country most associated with the Salafi interpretation of Islam is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the homeland of the Wahhabi movement. This paper examines the extent to which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is involved in the spread of Salafism, as well as the consequences thereof. I argue that propagating Salafism has definitely been a part of the kingdom’s foreign policy, and that the internal environment of the kingdom is conducive to significant non-state support. Regarding consequences, violent strands of Salafism have been paradoxically useful but also most damaging. On the other hand, while domestic apolitical variations could be used for internal...Show moreThe importance of religious world views cannot be understated for contemporary events in the Middle East; Religious Ideology remains a powerful mobilizer. The “Salafi” variation of Islam spans a politically quietist majority, few politically active individuals and groups, and of course politically violent and terrorist groups. The country most associated with the Salafi interpretation of Islam is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the homeland of the Wahhabi movement. This paper examines the extent to which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is involved in the spread of Salafism, as well as the consequences thereof. I argue that propagating Salafism has definitely been a part of the kingdom’s foreign policy, and that the internal environment of the kingdom is conducive to significant non-state support. Regarding consequences, violent strands of Salafism have been paradoxically useful but also most damaging. On the other hand, while domestic apolitical variations could be used for internal stability external apolitical Salafis could potentially be mobilized. Finally, politically active Salafis would be a nuance internally and not of much use externally. Importantly, transnational Salafism has proven uncontrollable and unreliable. It could backfire violently, and it can lead to tension and polarization within and across societies.Show less

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Transnational Salafism in Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Politics: A Valuable Instrument or an Uncontrollable Ideology