David Rundell's book "Vision or Mirage" provides a comprehensive history of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering insights from prominent figures such as Henry Kissinger, General David Petraeus, Ambassador Chas Freeman, and Sir Richard Dearlove. The book explores the country's recent economic and social reforms, the crackdown on corruption by King Salman, and the promotion of a more tolerant Islam by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. It also examines the factors contributing to the country's stability and instability and offers predictions for its future. Based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country, "Vision or Mirage" is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Clear-eyed and illuminating

Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor

A rich, superbly researched, balanced history of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

General David Petraeus, former Commander U.S. Central Command and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

"Destined to be the best single volume on the Kingdom."

Ambassador Chas Freeman, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Assistant Secretary of Defense

"Should be prescribed reading for a new generation of political leaders."

Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of H.M. Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge.

"Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. An army of foreign consultants is rewriting the social contract, King Salman has cracked down hard on corruption, and his dynamic though inexperienced son, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is promoting a more tolerant Islam. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into Iranian-style revolution?

David Rundell - one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat.

Vision or Mirage

Demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838605919