Beyond the Sword : Volume I: King Abdulaziz - The Foundations of Saudi Public Diplomacy
Article | Beyond the Sword
By: Nora Alzahid
When discussing Saudi Arabia’s public diplomacy, many perceive it as a recent phenomenon, emerging in tandem with the launch of Vision 2030. However, public diplomacy in Saudi Arabia has deep historical roots, dating back to the very foundation of the Kingdom. It was through the strategic use of public diplomacy that King Abdulaziz Al Saud unified the Arabian Peninsula, fostering peace and aligning diverse tribal loyalties under a single national identity.
King Abdulaziz Al Saud (Ibn Saud), founder of modern Saudi Arabia, was as much a diplomat as he was a warrior. Long before “public diplomacy” became a buzzword, he leveraged soft power to forge a unified nation out of fractious tribes . From the early 1900s through the mid-20th century, he combined military conquest with strategic alliances, religious legitimacy, and skillful communication to consolidate his rule. His efforts not only created the Kingdom in 1932 but also set the template for Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the world.
Tribal Engagement and Diplomatic Acumen
King Abdulaziz understood that lasting unity required more than force; it required winning hearts and minds. His success in uniting the Arabian Peninsula stemmed from his deep understanding of tribal dynamics. He recognized the power of empathy, respect, and negotiation in securing the loyalty of diverse tribes. Rather than relying solely on force, he engaged with tribal leaders, acknowledging their traditions, interests, and identities. This approach turned former rivals into partners and laid a peaceful foundation for the emerging state.
Through charismatic leadership and personal diplomacy, he cultivated alliances by emphasizing shared values and religious commonalities. His ability to navigate tribal complexities allowed him to establish trust and consolidate power without alienating local populations. His strategy was not one of conquest but of cooperation, leveraging cultural and religious ties to forge a unified nation.
Islam as a Unifying Force
King Abdulaziz skillfully positioned Islam as the cornerstone of national unity, bridging divides between tribal factions. By presenting himself as a protector of Islam and its principles, he legitimized his rule and gained widespread support. This became particularly significant after his control of Mecca and Medina in the 1920s, two of Islam’s holiest sites. Their religious and symbolic weight reinforced his authority and enabled him to frame his leadership as divinely sanctioned. His 1926 Islamic Congress in Mecca gathered religious leaders from across the Muslim world, showcasing his commitment to fostering unity among Islamic nations. His policies reinforced Saudi Arabia’s role as the center of Islamic diplomacy, a legacy that endures to this day.By portraying unification as a religious mission, he instilled a collective sense of purpose and identity among the Kingdom’s diverse communities. This narrative helped shape Saudi Arabia’s national character, reinforcing its role as the custodian of Islam’s most sacred sites and a leading voice in the Muslim world.
Strategic Communication and Nation-Building
Renowned for his pragmatism and persuasive oratory, King Abdulaziz inspired loyalty through effective communication. His speeches resonated with both tribal leaders and the broader population, cultivating a national consciousness centered on Islam and Arab heritage.
Beyond rhetoric, he established administrative and legal systems blending traditional tribal governance with modern state-building. This hybrid approach ensured a smooth transition from tribal rule to centralized governance, fostering both stability and acceptance.
Poetry as a Unifying and Diplomatic Tool
An often overlooked aspect of Saudi public diplomacy is the role of poetry in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural and diplomatic identity. Poetry has long been integral to Arab heritage, and under King Abdulaziz, it became a powerful force for nation-building, reinforcing unity, and inspiring patriotism.
Throughout history, Arab poetry has served as a medium for storytelling, moral guidance, and political discourse. King Abdulaziz not only appreciated poetry but also engaged in its critique and reinterpretation, demonstrating a profound understanding of its influence. In the early days of the Kingdom, poetry was more than a cultural tradition it was a form of soft power, amplifying themes of unity, courage, and national pride.
His appreciation for poetry was nurtured by his mother, Sara bint Ahmad Al Sudairi, who had a deep knowledge of poetic traditions. Her influence shaped his ability to use poetry both as a personal passion and as a diplomatic tool.
One of the most notable examples of poetry’s impact on national identity is “As-Sayf Al-Ajrab” (The Rusty Sword), attributed to Imam Turki bin Abdullah. This poem became a symbol of sacrifice, valor, and the defense of the homeland values that King Abdulaziz championed throughout his unification efforts. Poetry’s emphasis on these ideals fostered a sense of duty and loyalty, further solidifying national unity.
Saudi Arabia’s designation of 2023 as the “Year of Arabic Poetry” highlights poetry’s continued role in shaping national identity and diplomatic engagement. It remains a bridge between tradition and modernity, strengthening cultural heritage and global outreach.
Historical Diplomatic EngagementsKing Abdulaziz was not only a warrior but also a masterful diplomat who recognized that treaties and alliances were as crucial as military victories. His strategic negotiations, such as the Treaty of Darin (1915), solidified British recognition of his rule, while the Treaty of Jeddah (1927) granted full sovereignty to the newly unified state. The Treaty of Taif (1934) settled long standing disputes with Yemen, ensuring regional stability. These agreements reinforced his reputation as a statesman who prioritized diplomacy alongside military strength.Foreign Relations and International DiplomacyAs Saudi Arabia emerged on the global stage, King Abdulaziz skillfully navigated relationships with major world powers. His meeting with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945 aboard the USS Quincy set the foundation for the Saudi-U.S. alliance, emphasizing security cooperation and economic ties. His diplomatic pragmatism also enabled strong relations with Britain, ensuring international recognition of Saudi sovereignty while preserving the Kingdom’s independence. Regionally, he maintained a delicate balance with neighboring countries, fostering peace while safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests.Trade and Economic DiplomacyRecognizing the economic potential of Saudi Arabia’s natural resources, King Abdulaziz leveraged oil diplomacy to establish the Kingdom’s economic strength. The 1933 oil concession to Standard Oil of California (which became Aramco) attracted foreign investment and laid the groundwork for Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. By balancing relations with multiple global powers, he ensured that Saudi resources remained under national control while benefiting from international expertise. His economic foresight turned Saudi Arabia into a key player in global energy markets.Media and Communication StrategiesUnderstanding the power of information, King Abdulaziz founded the Umm Al-Qura newspaper in 1924, the Kingdom’s first official publication, to communicate policies and reinforce national unity. His ability to use public addresses and written statements effectively helped shape Saudi Arabia’s image both domestically and internationally. By engaging with foreign journalists and allowing controlled international narratives about the Kingdom, he ensured that Saudi Arabia was perceived as a stable and independent nation.
Legacy in Modern Public Diplomacy
The diplomatic strategies employed by King Abdulaziz continue to shape Saudi Arabia’s public diplomacy today. His ability to merge tradition with modern governance set the foundation for the Kingdom’s domestic and international engagement. His principles cultural respect, religious legitimacy, and strategic communication remain central to Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts.
While Vision 2030 has expanded the Kingdom’s global outreach, it is essential to recognize that public diplomacy has long been embedded in Saudi history. The unification of Saudi Arabia was not merely a military achievement but a diplomatic triumph, driven by King Abdulaziz’s ability to unite a fragmented land through dialogue, shared values, and strategic persuasion.