Of all the countries in the world that are vital to the strategic and economic interests of the United States, Saudi Arabia is the least understood by the American people. This title dissects this central Saudi paradox for American readers, including diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and students of foreign policy

"A Council on Foreign Relations book."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Kings and country -- Oil rich, energy short -- Hungry people, thirsty land -- A new economic model -- The labor market and its discontents -- The education revolution -- Women: the coming breakout -- Islam, society, and the state -- Social upheaval, social welfare -- Bad neighborhood -- An evolving alliance.