Date of Graduation
Spring 2008
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
Bradley Thayer
Abstract
While great emphasis has been placed on the necessity of achieving oil independence within the United States, little attention has been paid to how a reduction or even elimination of oil imports will affect oil-producing countries whose primary source of revenue is derived from oil exportation. The impact of reduced oil revenue on Saudi Arabia is of particular importance to U.S. national security given its close ties with Islamic fundamentalist terror groups who wish to do harm to U.S. citizens and assets both at home and abroad. Because the Al-Saud royal family has consistently used oil wealth to purchase tribal loyalty, quiet dissident groups, and endear itself to the population, a decrease in its ability to make such pay-offs could result in the collapse of the Saudi regime. Such a collapse could have devastating consequences for the U.S. if an Islamic fundamentalist gains control of the country and provides a safe haven for Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.
Keywords
Saudi Arabia, oil, renewable energy, terrorism, factionalism
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Danielle Yaggi
Recommended Citation
Yaggi, Danielle, "The Effects of Alternative Energy on Saudi Arabia and the Implications for U.S. National Security" (2008). MSU Graduate Theses. 1434.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1434
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