Saudi Arabia Enters the Twenty-First Century: The Political, Foreign Policy, Economic, and Energy Dimensions (Vol 1) [Hardcover]

Anthony H. Cordesman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0275979989 | ISBN-13: 978-0275979980

As the world carefully monitors tensions in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia increasingly finds itself the center of political scrutiny in both 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. This study looks beyond a narrow definition of political stability to examine the implications of Saudi Arabia's changes in external relations with Iran and Iraq, as well as its cooperation with the other Southern Gulf States. Cordesman explores the issue of succession in the Royal Family, the immediate political probabilities, and the generational changes that are occurring. Growing uncertainties in the world energy market continue to impact nearly every facet of the Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia faces ongoing demographic problems, as well as a 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. And with King Fahd's health in question and Crown Prince Abdullah already in his mid-seventies, major questions remain as to how the regime's future will ultimately affect the delicate balance in the entire region.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This extensively researched book from Anthony Cordesman is timely. It draws on a variety of sources to paint a fairly plausible picture of Saudi Arabia as it now stands; perhaps on the cusp of peaceful change, perhaps not. But it is the present situation and the possible future development of the major strands in foreign relations, internal politics and security, demographics and so are that are developed in depth...This is a useful and interesting book, packed full of information, statistics and views...[I]t paints as clear an overview of the extraordinary Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as one is likely to get at present.”–Philip Barnes, The Journal of Energy Literature X.

Book Description

Analyses the major political and economic changes that confront Saudi Arabia and assesses their impact on regional stability.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (April 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275979989
• ISBN-13: 978-0275979980
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,305,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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