This much-revised edition of Professor Abir's Saudi Arabia in the Oil Era now includes consideration of both Gulf Wars. Abir examines the social and political forces that have shaped Saudi Arabia, including the impact of Islam and of Westernization, drawing heavily on Saudi sources. There is also essential analysis of regional security dilemmas and of the country's prospects in the post-Gulf War era.

`I know of no book written in English that does so much to explain one of the most complex, important and closed societies in the world' - Anthony H. Cordesman, senior aide to the US Senate Appropriation Committee and Gulf security consultant

Of the previous edition: `This revealing political analysis of contemporary Saudi nation-building is packed with information and insight and deserves a wide readership' - Arab Book World

`Abir's analysis is clear, well-researched, judicious.' - Fred Halliday, Middle Eastern Studies

Mordechai Abir