Oman

The Sultanate of Oman overlooks one of the most strategic waterways in the Middle East: the Strait of Hormuz. Sharing the guardianship of the Strait with Iran, Oman's position is of key importance to the security of the entire Gulf, which holds a large portion of the world's oil resources. In a 1970 palace coup, Sultan Qaboos ibn Sa'id overthrew the repressive and reclusive rule of his father and embarked on a program of modernization. Oman became one of the success stories of the developing world, instituting a modern educational system, creating a modern infrastructure, becoming an oil exporter, and constucting an elaborate social welfare system.

Today the country faces a host of challenges. Oman cannot defend itself from hostile neighbors without assistance. Restructuring Omani society and the economy present even greater difficulties. Moreover, change must occur at a time when Islamic movements pose a significant political threat, and oil income is not sufficient to meet the country's social and economic needs. Professor Riphenburg has provided a survey that will be invaluable to all students and researchers of the modern Middle East.

List of contents

Preface
Terra Firma and People
The Legacy of History
Political Culture, Civil Society, and Prospects for Democratization
Political Development and the Challenge of Modernization
Issues in Economic Development
Changing Gender Relations and Development
Oman's Foreign Policy
The Gulf Regional System and the Northern Gulf States
Oman's Foreign Policy and the Arabian Peninsula
Selected Bibliography
Index

About the author

CAROL J. RIPHENBURG is Associate Professor of Political Science at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL. She has written and lectured extensively on the role of women in Middle Eastern and African politics and society.

Summary

Oman became one of the success stories of the developing world, instituting a modern educational system, creating a modern infrastructure, becoming an oil exporter, and constucting an elaborate social welfare system. Today the country faces a host of challenges.

Product details

• Authors: Carol Riphenburg, Carol J. Riphenburg
• Publisher: Greenwood Press
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 7 to 17
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.05.1998
• EAN: 9780275961442
• ISBN: 978-0-275-96144-2
• Dimensions: 160 mm x 241 mm x 23 mm
• Series: Praeger Series in Political; Praeger Series in Political
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Postwar 20th century history, from c 1945 to c 2000, Cultural Studies, Oman, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Development / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Middle Eastern, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Developing & Emerging Countries, world history, HISTORY / Middle East / Arabian Peninsula, Politics & government, Later 20th century c 1950 to c 1999, Politics and government, Middle Eastern history, Development Studies