Son King: Reform and Repression in Saudi Arabia

Jamal Khashoggi's murder by Saudi regime operatives in 2018 shocked the international community and tarnished Muhammad bin Salman's reputation. Bin Salman's reforms have been divisive, adopting populist nationalism and repression of critical voices. Madawi Al-Rasheed's book exposes the dangerous contradictions at the heart of the Saudi nation's reforms, dismissing Orientalist views and charting old and new challenges to the fragile Saudi state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2020
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

In 2018, a shocking event occurred that shook the international community to its core: the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi regime operatives. This tragic incident not only caused immense pain and loss to Khashoggi's family and friends but also tarnished the reputation of Muhammad bin Salman, the young, reformist crown prince of Saudi Arabia. While bin Salman's reforms have aimed to bring about positive change in the kingdom, they have been met with both praise and criticism. On the one hand, his efforts to modernize the economy, diversify the country's sources of income, and promote women's rights have been welcomed by many. On the other hand, his adoption of populist nationalism and fierce repression of diverse critical voices, including religious scholars, feminists, and dissident youth, have raised concerns about the state of human rights in the kingdom.

In her book, Madawi Al-Rasheed delves deep into the world of repression that underpins the crown prince's reforms. She meticulously dissects the Saudi regime's propaganda and its attempts to present a progressive new image to the world. Al-Rasheed challenges the notion that despotism is the only pathway to stable governance in the Middle East, arguing that there are alternative models that can lead to prosperity and social progress.

Charting the challenges faced by the Saudi nation from its very inception, Al-Rasheed exposes the dangerous contradictions at the heart of the Son King's Saudi Arabia. She highlights the struggles of the Saudi people, who have long demanded greater political freedom, social justice, and economic opportunities. Despite the regime's efforts to suppress these demands, Al-Rasheed argues that the Saudi society is vibrant and well-connected, and that the regime's attempts to control and manipulate it will ultimately fail.

This blistering book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Saudi Arabia and the region it plays a pivotal role in. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, social, and economic issues that the kingdom faces, and offers a critical perspective on the crown prince's reforms. By challenging the dominant narratives and exposing the truth behind the Saudi regime's actions, Al-Rasheed contributes to the ongoing debate about the future of the Middle East and the role of Saudi Arabia in shaping it.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 150 x 223 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383791