The Why and Functions of Saudi Arabia’s Political Opposition Social Networks; A Case Study of Reformists and Liberals

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 prof of university

2 دانش آموخته مطالعات منطقه ای ، دانشگاه شیراز ، شیراز،ایران

10.22124/wp.2026.32618.3625

Abstract

This study examines the role of social networks in the political activism of reformist and liberal movements in Saudi Arabia. Given the severe restrictions of the government structure and the closed political space, social networks have become the most important arena for the opposition to raise demands and activism. The study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach and examined the political content published on social networks during the years 2000 to 2024. The data were analyzed using content analysis, network analysis, and hashtag frequency analysis.

The findings show that features such as decentralization, high speed of publication, and the possibility of users remaining anonymous have made social networks the main arena for Saudi opposition activism. The most important content themes include women's rights, political justice, criticism of the governance structure, and civil liberties, and the highest user interaction has been observed in campaigns related to women's rights. Network analysis suggests a multi-node structure in which actors outside the country play a pivotal role and anonymous domestic accounts link the inside and outside. Overall, social networks have become a platform for the production of discourse,

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