SAUDI ARABIA by David Commins (epub)(Nonfiction)

Saudi Arabia by David Commins (ePub) (Nonfiction)
Author: David Commins
Publication Date: March 11, 2025
Length: Approximately 350 pages
Genre: Nonfiction, History, Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science

Saudi Arabia: A Modern History by David Commins provides a comprehensive narrative tracing the evolution of Saudi Arabia from an oasis emirate to a wealthy, modern state grappling with the challenges of transitioning beyond oil. The book explores the origins and consolidation of the Saudi dynasty, focusing on the 18th-century alliance between Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Muhammad Ibn Saud, which laid the groundwork for the kingdom. Commins details the complex tribal, sectarian, and religious dynamics, including the influence of Wahhabism, and the nation’s sociopolitical and economic transformations up to the present day. He highlights the impacts of petroleum wealth, the state's governance model, and ongoing reforms under Mohammed bin Salman, while incorporating the perspectives of diverse groups including activists, women, religious minorities, Bedouin tribes, and expatriate workers.