Saudi Arabia is undergoing unprecedented social, political and economic changes. In the post-9/11 world, the Saudi royal family realized it had to reform its economic system to attract investment to offset the international community's fears that the kingdom was going jihadist. Like many other authoritarian regimes, Riyadh has tried its best to limit social and political reforms because of the fear of losing power. The law of unintended consequences, however, has proven that an economy cannot be opened up without social and political costs — and the Saudis are not completely oblivious to this. The House of Saud's historical resilience underscores its appreciation for the need to adjust to changing times. In keeping with this tradition, the current monarch, King Abdullah, not only is accommodating change but also is is encouraging it. The royal family needs to manage the demands for a Saudi version of glasnost and perestroika and deal with the issue of extremism and terrorism, which explains why the Saudis are making room for changes. In the last few months alone, a number of unprecedented developments have taken place, including: 1. In Jeddah, the authorities allocated public space for Saudi youth to indulge in the urban art of graffiti. 2. In Eastern province, women sprayed religious police agents with a skin irritant after being confronted for not adhering to the strict dress code. 3. Some 1,100 women petitioned the king for the right to drive. 4. A half-brother of the king, Talal bin Abdel-Aziz — who happens to be the father of renowned Saudi tycoon Waleed bin Talal — announced that he is forming a political party. 5. The government unveiled laws governing the body overseeing political succession. 6. The king laid the cornerstone for a new coed science and technology university that will be attended by Saudi and foreign students. 7. A leading Saudi religious scholar condemned suicide bombings as deviant. These moves come on the heels of government successes in fighting jihadists and curbing extremism. Thus far, the Saudis have contained the apprehensions of the conservative cross sections of society, especially the tribal and religious establishments. But the speed of social change probably will increase and could trigger a backlash down the road, since those welcoming the changes will want more. Change could prove a slippery slope, and the Saudis might prove unable to manage these transitions, finding themselves sandwiched between the conservative elements of society and those wanting more freedoms. History is full of states that have been overwhelmed by the move toward reforms, including Japan, Romania and the Soviet Union. Because of the structure of their state and society, the Saudis could face the same situation.