Oman: Political Development in a Changing World

(Hardback)

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The Sultanate of Oman overlooks one of the most strategic waterways in the Middle East: the Strait of Hormuz. Sharing the guardianship of the Strait with Iran, Oman's position is of key importance to the security of the entire Gulf, which holds a large portion of the world's oil resources. In a 1970 palace coup, Sultan Qaboos ibn Sa'id overthrew the repressive and reclusive rule of his father and embarked on a programme of modernization. Oman became one of the success stories of the developing world, instituting a modern educational system, creating a modern infrastructure, becoming an oil exporter and constructing an elaborate social welfare system. Today the country faces a host of challenges. Oman cannot defend itself from hostile neighbours, without assistance. Restructuring Omani society and the economy present even greater difficulties. Moreover, change must occur at a time when Islamic movements pose a significant political threat, and oil income is not sufficient to meet the country's social and economic needs. This book is an overview of all these issues and problems.

Reviews

[T]he book, ...is a useful introduction to the sultanate for both students and the general reader.-International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
Carol Riphenburg has written a good synthesis of research on Oman by British American, and some Gulf-based writers.-Middle East Studies Association
Praeger is to be commended for publishing Carol J. Riphenburg's Oman: Political Development in a Changing World....Riphenburg's work provides an insightful analysis of Omani political development since the advent of the Qabus regime.-Middle East Journal
These comments aside, Oman: Political Development in a Changing World is a valuable addition to the literature on Oman. With its combination of general geographical and historical background and more specific discussion of political, economic, and social development and foreign policy under Sultan Qaboos, it is recommended to both Omani specialists interested in contemporary affairs and a wider audience interested in development issues in the Gulf/Middle East region.-Journal of Third World Studies
"The book, ...is a useful introduction to the sultanate for both students and the general reader."-International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
"[T]he book, ...is a useful introduction to the sultanate for both students and the general reader."-International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
"Carol Riphenburg has written a good synthesis of research on Oman by British American, and some Gulf-based writers."-Middle East Studies Association
"Praeger is to be commended for publishing Carol J. Riphenburg's Oman: Political Development in a Changing World....Riphenburg's work provides an insightful analysis of Omani political development since the advent of the Qabus regime."-Middle East Journal
"These comments aside, Oman: Political Development in a Changing World is a valuable addition to the literature on Oman. With its combination of general geographical and historical background and more specific discussion of political, economic, and social development and foreign policy under Sultan Qaboos, it is recommended to both Omani specialists interested in contemporary affairs and a wider audience interested in development issues in the Gulf/Middle East region."-Journal of Third World Studies

Author Bio

CAROL J. RIPHENBURG is Associate Professor of Political Science at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL. She has written and lectured extensively on the role of women in Middle Eastern and African politics and society.