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Vision or Mirage
Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads
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One of Americaβs foremost experts on Saudi Arabia explains why the country has been stable for so long and what its future might be
One of Americaβs foremost experts on Saudi Arabia explains why the country has been stable for so long and what its future might be
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
'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 Americaβs 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.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Vision or Mirage by David Rundell is widely praised for its comprehensive insight into Saudi Arabia's political, economic, and social landscapes. Critics note Rundellβs mastery in blending history with current affairs, offering nuanced analysis without bias, making it an essential read for anyone looking to understand Saudi Arabia's complexities. Acclaimed for its depth and clarity, the book is described as an invaluable resource for diplomats, analysts, and policymakers to better grasp the kingdomβs multifaceted dynamics.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781838605919
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 21 October 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: I.B. Tauris
Illustration: 34 b&w illus
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 34.0mm
Width: 154.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 707g
Pages: 416
About the Author
David Rundell studied Arabic at Oxford and served as an American diplomat for thirty years in Washington, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. Over those three decades he spent fifteen years in the kingdom working at the Embassy in Riyadh as well as the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran. His assignments in Saudi Arabia included the Chief of Mission, Charge dβAffaires, Deputy Chief of Mission, Political Counselor, Economic Counselor, Commercial Counselor and Commercial AttachΓ©. He has won numerous awards for his analytical reporting, and participated in Operation Desert Storm, Saudi accession to the World Trade Organization and the defeat of the al-Qaeda terror campaign in Saudi Arabia.
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