Written by: Shaquille Faizullah Putra Pulubuhu
The Saudi government has long been associated with Wahhabism, a stringent interpretation of Sunni Islam that was established in the 18th century by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. Wahhabi ideology and the al-Saud family formed a partnership that supported a conservative religious agenda and helped the monarchy hold onto power. However, tensions have arisen as more radical elements within Wahhabism reject Western influence, advocating for a return to what they perceive as “pure” Islam. This anti-Western sentiment is prominent in *The Kingdom*, where some characters express hostility towards Americans, reflecting broader narratives among Wahhabi extremists. These groups often view Western presence as corrupting, especially given the historical context of U.S. support for Israel and military involvement in Muslim lands.
Extremist groups frequently manipulate personal and collective grievances, using a sense of victimhood and righteous indignation to recruit followers. By framing their struggle as a battle against oppression or corruption, these groups exploit the ego of individuals who may feel marginalized or wronged, fueling ideological extremism. This manipulation of ego not only drives recruitment but also perpetuates cycles of violence as individuals justify their actions through a lens of perceived moral superiority.
The main source of Saudi Arabia’s riches and power is its enormous oil reserves, which form the foundation of its economy. Because both countries profit from stable oil markets and the global oil price in US dollars, this economic reliance has strengthened ties between Saudi Arabia and the US. But there are risks associated with this dependence as well, especially as the globe moves toward renewable energy sources. Despite its advantages, the U.S.-Saudi
alliance causes internal strife in Saudi Arabia as certain groups accuse the monarchy of betraying Islamic principles by siding with Western countries.
*The Kingdom* explores the wider socio-political dynamics of the area through the intersection of issues such as Wahhabi fundamentalism, ego manipulation, and Saudi Arabia’s economic reliance on oil. The conflict between modernity and traditionalism, as well as the intricate geopolitical dynamics that influence Middle Eastern politics, are shown in the movie. The dubious dollar transfer to Jakarta emphasizes the interconnection of these problems by demonstrating how international financial networks and ideological extremism may cut across national boundaries
References:
Art of The Title. (n.d.). The Kingdom (2007). https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-kingdom/
Staff, W. (2017, August 17). Wahhabism: What is it and why does it matter? Theweek. https://theweek.com/87832/wahhabism-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter
Gulf Research Center (2022). U.S.-Saudi Relations: Recalibrations. https://www.grc.net/single-commentary/42