Q&A · 1:40:44-1:41:23

Could a different settlement have prevented Saudi expansion?

A proposed condominium is judged unlikely to overcome the imbalance in leadership and military effectiveness.

Question

Could a condominium settlement after the Cairo Conference have prevented the rise of the Saudis?

Short answer

A condominium is judged unlikely to offset the Saudi ruler's leadership and military advantages over the Hashemite rulers of the Hejaz.

Notes

The question imagines replacing the new kingdoms with an arrangement resembling the Anglo-Egyptian condominium. The answer doubts that this would have prevented Saudi expansion. It places more weight on the Saudi ruler's charisma and military capability relative to the Hashemite leadership in the Hejaz. The institutional alternative is therefore judged insufficient to change that balance.