A History of Saudi Arabia

by Madawi AlRasheed مضاوي الرشيد

This updated edition analyses the challenges, both internal and external, facing Saudi Arabia in the twenty-first century. Two new chapters discuss the political, economic and social developments in the aftermath of 9/11, painting a vivid picture of a country shocked by terrorism and condemned by the international community. Madawi Al-Rasheed reveals that fragmentation of royal politics, a failing economy and fermenting Islamist dissent posed serious threats to state and society in 2001. She assesses the consequent state reforms introduced under pressure of terrorism, international scrutiny and a social mobilisation of men, women and minorities struggling to shape their future against a background of repression and authoritarian rule. While Saudi Arabia is still far from establishing a fourth state, there are signs that the people are ready for a serious change that will lead them to a state of institutions rather than princes.

Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2012

About the author

Madawi Al-Rasheed is Visiting Professor at the Middle East Centre at LSE and Research Fellow at the Open Society Foundation. She was Professor of Anthropology of Religion at King’s College, London between 1994 and 2013. Previously, she was Prize Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford. She also taught at Goldsmith College (University of London) and the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford.

Reviews

[Gally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise yet thorough account of Saudi Arabia, covering the last two and a half centuries of the region's history and development.
The book follows a thematic approach, but chapters are organized in a chronological manner. Major discussions include the formation and maintenance of authority, domestic politics, foreign pressures, oil, terrorism, and reform. These topics are well balanced, and, for a 'short history', are all covered familiarly, if not quite intimately. Despite its density, the prose is clear, comprehensive, and well structured.
Sources, many being the author's own, are clearly cited, with explanatory notes.
A very good introduction to the history of Saudi Arabia for the curious, as well as providing a good foundation from which to explore more specialized studies.