Introduction. In modern scientific discourse, much attention is paid to emerging
countries striving to conduct modernization reforms to acquire a new regional po
sition. It directly correlates with the evolution of political power that implements
these alterations, which is why Saudi Arabia, as the flagship of the Middle East, is of
interest for study.
Materials and methods. The analysis of historical literature, modern scientific
articles on transformational changes, as well as official legal documents, in particular
the basic law of the kingdom, was carried out. A number of methods have been ap
plied: generalization of characteristics, analysis of the source base, and the method
of historicism, chronological and comparative analysis.
Results of the study. As part of the study, it was identified the stages of trans
formational changes that took place in Saudi Arabia, established the degree of conti
nuity in the internal political course of various rulers, and outlined turning points that
influenced power relations.
Discussion. Despite the availability of a certain amount of information on the
various stages of the Saudi Arabian monarchs’ reign, there is no unified perspective
on the entire period of political power evolution, including the modern stage, and
the identification of tendentiousness of the emerging power relations.
Conclusion. The conclusion about the dependence of the level of consolidation
of ruling family members of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the stability of the co
untry’s political architecture in the context of emergence of new internal and external
challenges caused by globalization processes is made.
Key words: the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, political regime, transformational
changes, political architecture, evolution of power.
10.56429/2414-4894-2022-39-1-115-127