Vision or Mirage Saudi Arabia at theCrossroads : Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads

"'Clear-eyed and illuminating.' Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor ' A rich, superbly researched, balanced history of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.' General David Petraeus, former Commander U.S. Central Command and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency 'Destined to be the best single volume on the Kingdom.' Ambassador Chas Freeman, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Assistant Secretary of Defense 'Should be prescribed reading for a new generation of political leaders.' Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of H.M. Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge. Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution? David Rundell - one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World"--Publisher's description "'Clear-eyed and illuminating' Henry Kissinger ' A rich, superbly researched, balanced history of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia' General David Petraeus 'Destined to be the best single volume on the Kingdom.' Ambassador Chas Freeman 'Should be prescribed reading for a new generation of political leaders.' Sir Richard Dearlove Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution? David Rundell - one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World."-- Provided by publisher Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of Plates Maps and Charts Maps Charts Acknowledgments Arabic Words Preface Introduction Part 1: Creating a New Nation Chapter 1: The Rise and Fall of the House of Saud Chapter 2: The Wars of National Unification Chapter 3: The Ikhwan Revolt: Reaping What You Sow Part 2: Managing Succession Chapter 4: Kings Saud and Faisal: A House Divided Chapter 5: Kings Khalid, Fahd, and Abdullah: A Team of Rivals Chapter 6: King Salman and Mohammed bin Salman: A New Royal Order Part 3: Balancing Stakeholders Chapter 7: The Tribes Chapter 8: The Clerics Chapter 9: The Merchants Chapter 10: The Technocrats Chapter 11: The Royal Family Part 4: Delivering Competent Government Chapter 12: Providing Internal Security Chapter 13: Promoting Rapid Economic Development Chapter 14: Foreign Policy: Keeping Powerful Friends Chapter 15: Foreign Policy: Deploying Oil and Islam Chapter 16: Leading Gradual Social Change Part 5: Meeting New Challenges Chapter 17: Economic Challenges: Kicking the Oil Habit Chapter 18: Security Challenges: Containing Iran and Managing Yemen Chapter 19: Political Challenges: Sectarianism, Corruption, and Autocracy Chapter 20: Evolving Arabia Notes Bibliography Index Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution?0David Rundell - one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World