Saudi Arabia Enters the Twenty-First Century: [2 volumes]

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With the eyes of the world carefully monitoring tensions in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has increasingly found itself at the centre of political scrutiny in its internal and external relations. With its military capabilities largely dependent upon the United States and other Western forces, Saudi Arabia cannot concentrate on internal change at the expense of external security. At the same time, growing uncertainties in the world energy market continue to have an impact upon nearly every facet of the Saudi economy. With King Fahd's health in question, and Crown Prince Abdullah already in his mid-70s, the world ponders how future changes in this regime will affect the delicate balance in the region. This study looks beyond a narrow definition of political stability to examine the implications of the changes in Saudi external relations with Iran and Iraq, as well as co-operation with the other Southern Gulf States. It explores the succession issue in the Royal Family, the immediate political probabilities and the generational changes that are occurring. Saudi Arabia faces ongoing demographic problems, as well as the need to diversify and restructure its economy. The kingdom must find a way to adapt its traditional culture, religious customs, education and political structure to the needs of a modern nation. Such change will come neither quickly nor easily.

Reviews

[A] splendid resource, providing the comprehensive coverage suggested by its subtitle....This text is more than a handbook. In it, Cordesman presents to the reader a Saudi government with many problems and a mixed record that is nevertheless more stable and more effective than present-day critics believe.-Foreign Affairs
Cordesman, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and ABC fame, presents a detailed, thorough, and balanced handbook on Saudi Arabia....Volume 1 is a valuable handbook for diplomats and business people. Volume 2, highly specialized on the strategic threats to Saudi Arabia and its military readiness, is important for military officers and security specialists. Based on voluminous English-language printed sources Highly recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections.-Choice
The author looks beyond a narrow definition of political stability to examine the implications of Saudi Arabia's changes in external relations with other countries in the region.-Business Horizons
"A splendid resource, providing the comprehensive coverage suggested by its subtitle....This text is more than a handbook. In it, Cordesman presents to the reader a Saudi government with many problems and a mixed record that is nevertheless more stable and more effective than present-day critics believe."-Foreign Affairs
"[A] splendid resource, providing the comprehensive coverage suggested by its subtitle....This text is more than a handbook. In it, Cordesman presents to the reader a Saudi government with many problems and a mixed record that is nevertheless more stable and more effective than present-day critics believe."-Foreign Affairs
"The author looks beyond a narrow definition of political stability to examine the implications of Saudi Arabia's changes in external relations with other countries in the region."-Business Horizons
"Cordesman, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and ABC fame, presents a detailed, thorough, and balanced handbook on Saudi Arabia....Volume 1 is a valuable handbook for diplomats and business people. Volume 2, highly specialized on the strategic threats to Saudi Arabia and its military readiness, is important for military officers and security specialists. Based on voluminous English-language printed sources Highly recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections."-Choice

Author Bio

ANTHONY H. CORDESMAN is senior fellow and co-director of the Middle East Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Professor of National Security Studies at Georgetown University, and a special consultant on military affairs for ABC News.