The Kingdom: Saudi Arabia and the Challenge of the 21st Century [Hardcover]

A selection of writings on contemporary Saudi Arabia. It is divided into four sections, dealing respectively with Saudi domestic political issues, the Kingdom's role in regional affairs, studies of Saudi society, and cultural and religious life in the Kingdom.The prominence of Saudi Arabia in international relations today is undisputed. Bringing together contributors from the worlds of business, politics, journalism and academia,The Kingdomprovides a much-needed context to the role that Saudi Arabia plays today. In so doing, it unravels the contradictions and complexities of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the West.The Kingdombrings together a fascinating and diverse group of authors, including such established figures as Madawi Al-Rasheed, Khalid Al-Dakhil, Badriyyah Al-Bishr, Saad Sowayan and Mona Eltahawy. The chapters range widely in their subject matter, from reformism under King Abdullah to Saudi Arabia's role as a regional power broker, thereby revealing the great breadth of issues preoccupying Saudis and others as they seek to build a modern state without compromising their powerful attachment to the religious, cultural and historical traditions which are the bedrock of Saudi society. The book is divided into four sections: Saudi domestic political issues, the Kingdom's role in regional affairs, studies of Saudi society, and cultural and religious life in the Kingdom.Royal rule in a time of changeMoney replaces ideas as petitioners' silence leaves Saudi reform at an impasseMadawi al-RasheedModernity vies with tradition as Saudis debate the futureShaker NabulsiPrincely power to test succession plansMadawi al-RasheedSaudi dissent more than just jihadisMahan AbedinBin Laden's puritans keep Saudis in thrall to rebellious cycleMadawi al-RasheedForeign influence vital to success of Saudi reformShaker NabulsiSaudis seek the red lines of the new liberal authoritarianism Madawi al-RasheedReligious old guard fights modernity as Saudis enjolcF