The Gulf States

The geopolitical importance of the Gulf region is a source both of great interest and great tension. David Commins here provides an in-depth narrative of the modern political history of the Gulf States, providing a comprehensive and accessible account of their recent development and strategic importance. Focusing primarily on economic, cultural, religious and social themes from the 14th century to the present, The Gulf States covers key topics of the region's history, from the influence of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Arab dynasties, to oil wealth, modern prosperity and the formation of the Gulf States as we know them today. With the importance and influence of the Gulf States continuing to increase, this book is an invaluable source of information on the Gulf region's development for researchers and students alike.

David Commins is Benjamin Rush Distinguished Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Professor of History at Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, USA. His publications include The Wahhabi Mission and Saudi Arabia (I.B.Tauris, 2006), Historical Dictionary of Syria (1996, revised edition 2004) and Islamic Reform: Politics and Social Change in Late Ottoman Syria (1990).