David RundellVision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads

I bought two books on Saudi Arabia and I regret that I have not started with this one.The book gives a comprehensive, overarching overview of the history and modern situation of the country, starting from its formation in the beginning of the 20th century. Mr Rundell analises creation of the country, modus operandi of the Saudi royal family and its relations with the people, regional elites, religious leaders, technocrats, oilmen, neighbours and world superpowers. I liked very much that in each area, after giving deep overview, the author compares the last hundred years of history and the current days, highlighting what is the same and what is different, and which challenges the country and its rulers face in the near future.The language is very engaging, and the Mr Rundell achieved a perfect balance between providing details of every part of his analysis and keeping it easily readable. In my view, the books is written with a great respect to the country and its rulers, the analysis is balanced and it lacks any (wrongly expected) western mentoring. The book is not too long - about 300+ pages, and it is surprising how much useful insight is packed in it. As I recently moved to the country, I keep noticing tracks of Mr Rundell's analysis in my everyday experience.The book was finished in 2021. Even though the author is the first to acknowledge that the country is changing very quickly, in 2024 it is absolutely up-to-date and on spot. As of today, I cannot imagine a better book about Saudi Arabia, its modern history and today's challenges. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I only visited Saudi once back in the 1960s as a transit passenger when I was locked in a room until my aircraft was due to leave. Although I have lived and worked in a number of different countries across the world, I have never had the slightest urge to work in Saudi.I have not changed my mind in reading this book, but I now very much understand one heck of a lot more about this very young country than I did before.The author clearly has a very detailed knowledge of the country, its people, its political and tribal structure, its religion and its language. The book is easier to follow if you have a map handy of a) the location of the multiple tribes and b) the regions and towns/cities. These are very useful in reading up to about Chapter 15 as those early chapters cover the formation of the Saudi we know today.The book traces the formation of the country right through to 2020 and while it is clear that the author has a high regard for the country, he clearly points out its foibles and possible errors into the future.A very enjoyable and instructive book to read, and for the sake of some sort of ongoing peace in the Middle East and across the Muslim world may the Saud dynasty live long !

Purchased this book almost 18 months ago, but kept finding alternative books on the middle east, but I'll be going to Saudi Arabia in a few months so decided to read it.I think it helped that I'd read a dozen or so books on the middle east, and especially Black Wave by Kim Ghattas, it went into more detail and explanation about the 79 attack in Mecca.Vision or Mirage gets you hooked from the beginning, there's a difficult 20 or so pages explaining all the members of the extended ruling family, BUT, it's essential to helping understand the difficulties the Kingdom faced/faces.I kept thinking every chapter was fascinating, so there must be some boring chapters to come, but that wasn't the case.I absolutely loved the comparisons to other middle east countries, it helped put everything in perspective.It really is one of the most illuminating books I've ever read, my only disappointment was finding David Rundell hasn't written another book, such a talent, such a great understanding.

David Rundell served as a diplomat for 15 years in Saudi Arabia, as well as having postings in other countries in the region. His account of how Saudi Arabia got where it is with King Salman and Mohammed bin Salman firmly in charge is well-argued and documented, the analyses shrewd and thought-provoking. He wisely does not speculate too much on the future. Perhaps even MBS can't do that with any certainty.

Explains the history of the modern Saudi state in detail, which I found useful and informative. I sense that the author is equivocal in his attitude to the current regime. The message I am left with is that Saudi Arabia in 2020 was much less stable than it was in 2015

A brilliant book, the first half that deals with Saudi’s foundation and early history is superior to the second half. I bought a few books and gave them as gifts to those interested in that part of the world. Anyone interested in Saudi needs to read this book.

I would not recommend this book as a first book on Saudi.