As we all know, "How rich is the Saudis?" is a question that is often raised. Imagine that Saudi King Salman spends $100 million a year on vacations. In 2017, his son Salman Jr. spent 3 billion yuan to buy Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "Salvator Mundi". This display of wealth is really stunning.
The lives of ordinary Saudis are not bad. With a GDP per capita of more than $20,000, they are at a fairly affluent level. But displays of wealth often attract envy and covetousness, so how does the Saudis maintain their wealth and security?
International Strategy: Forge a shield with money and wisdom
Saudi Arabia's strategy for international relations is very unique. They all maintain good relations with global powers such as the United States, Russia, India, and the European Union. Saudi Arabia is not only a rich country, but also a good old man, showing an image of everyone in the international community.
Saudi Arabia is very measured in its handling of international affairs, and knows how to maintain cooperative relations with countries rather than forming military alliances. This strategy has allowed Saudi Arabia to remain neutral in international disputes and avoid becoming a target for either side.
For example, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Saudi Arabia continued to send supplies and export oil to Russia, while at the same time arousing excessive resentment from the European Union. Saudi Arabia has also played an important role in the fight against international terrorism, reducing the threat of terrorist organizations while accumulating an international reputation.
Military power: Silent Giant
While the Saudis seem to be more inclined to use money and diplomacy to ensure their national security, their military power should not be underestimated. Saudi Arabia has historically purchased a large amount of military equipment, including F15 fighters, M1 Abrams tanks, etc. These advanced equipment, combined with their wealth, make Saudi Arabia an invulnerable country.
Religion and Culture: A Spiritual Fortress
In terms of religion, Saudi Arabia has two Islamic holy sites, Mecca and Medina. Every year, thousands of Muslim pilgrims come here for the pilgrimage. This is not only a religious symbol of Saudi Arabia, but also the core of its culture and spirituality. By upholding the dignity and safety of these holy sites, Saudi Arabia has earned great respect and influence in the Muslim world.
Energy Dependence: Challenges for the Future
However, Saudi's economy is highly dependent on oil. Despite their efforts to diversify the economy, oil remains the country's main source of revenue. As the world gradually shifts to renewable energy, this advantage for Saudi Arabia is likely to wane in the coming decades. This will be one of the biggest challenges facing Saudi Arabia.
Geopolitics: A Complex Balancing Measure
Saudi Arabia's position in the Middle East is very important. They are not only economic powerhouses, but also key players in regional politics. When it comes to countries like Iran and Israel, Saudi Arabia often plays an important intermediary role. However, this role has also sometimes drawn the Saudis into regional conflicts, creating additional challenges for their foreign policy.
Conclusion: Not invincible, but strong enough
To sum up, the reason why Saudi Arabia has not suffered from foreign aggression is because it has strong international relations, economic power, military capabilities, and religious influence. Together, these factors create a strong protective wall. While the future is fraught with challenges, the Kingdom has the resources and wisdom to meet them and continue to play its unique and important role on the international stage.