Saudi Arabia appears to have emerged unscathed from the ongoing upheavals that have gripped the Arab world since 2011. On the surface, all seems to be quiet and under control, thanks to a series of domestic, regional and international policies put in place to mitigate potential dissent in the oil-rich kingdom.

Yet, these policies may prove to be of only temporary efficacy, as they do not reflect a serious attempt to respond to the many deep-rooted challenges facing both the leadership and Saudi society. These policies have simply postponed answering big questions about the future of the absolute monarchy in a society that is heavily engaged in imagining a different political system, one in which they are given a stake, if only a limited one.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz surprised his constituency and the outside world when he delayed resolving the succession question in favor of the second generation of the royal family. His controversial decision to appoint his brother Prince Muqrin as deputy crown prince ended speculation about the future of the monarchy, at least in the short term. But this may not resolve the fundamental question about the second generation further into the future.

Domestically, the regime has stifled dissent and even mild criticism under new laws aimed at fighting terrorism, but extended to silence a whole range of voices calling for reform. With reformists behind bars and others facing long trials, the regime may be under the illusion that such measures are sufficient to intimidate future activists and stifle debate about urgent concerns forever.