Jeremy Jones has an Oxford-based consulting business and has worked on Oman since the 1980s. His first book Negotiating Change: The New Politics of the Middle East anticipated the Arab Spring. Nicholas Ridout is the only professor of theatre who also writes and researches extensively on the history and politics of the Middle East. He has worked with Jeremy Jones on research in Oman since 1989, alongside his successful career as an academic in theatre and performance studies.

• Introduction; 1. Oman and the Al Bu Said; 2. Oman, Zanzibar and empire; 3. Oman in the age of British ascendancy and the Arab nahda; 4. The Sultanate as nation; 5. Dhofar; 6. Oil, government and security, 1955–80; 7. Shura, diplomacy and economic liberalization, 1980–2000; 8. Oman in the twenty-first century.

'This book weaves a deep understanding of Oman's history, politics, economics, religion and, very importantly, culture in a way that is particularly useful in understanding the challenges Oman faces today. A must-read for anyone interested in Oman or an understanding of religion and culture in affecting foreign affairs.' Stephen W. Buck, former US Foreign Service officer, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d'Affaires, Muscat (1979–83)

Jeremy Jones has an Oxford-based consulting business and has worked on Oman since the 1980s. His first book Negotiating Change: The New Politics of the Middle East anticipated the Arab Spring. Nicholas Ridout is the only professor of theatre who also writes and researches extensively on the history and politics of the Middle East. He has worked with Jeremy Jones on research in Oman since 1989, alongside his successful career as an academic in theatre and performance studies.

• Introduction; 1. Oman and the Al Bu Said; 2. Oman, Zanzibar and empire; 3. Oman in the age of British ascendancy and the Arab nahda; 4. The Sultanate as nation; 5. Dhofar; 6. Oil, government and security, 1955–80; 7. Shura, diplomacy and economic liberalization, 1980–2000; 8. Oman in the twenty-first century.

'This book weaves a deep understanding of Oman's history, politics, economics, religion and, very importantly, culture in a way that is particularly useful in understanding the challenges Oman faces today. A must-read for anyone interested in Oman or an understanding of religion and culture in affecting foreign affairs.' Stephen W. Buck, former US Foreign Service officer, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d'Affaires, Muscat (1979–83)

Jeremy Jones has an Oxford-based consulting business and has worked on Oman since the 1980s. His first book Negotiating Change: The New Politics of the Middle East anticipated the Arab Spring. Nicholas Ridout is the only professor of theatre who also writes and researches extensively on the history and politics of the Middle East. He has worked with Jeremy Jones on research in Oman since 1989, alongside his successful career as an academic in theatre and performance studies.

• Introduction; 1. Oman and the Al Bu Said; 2. Oman, Zanzibar and empire; 3. Oman in the age of British ascendancy and the Arab nahda; 4. The Sultanate as nation; 5. Dhofar; 6. Oil, government and security, 1955–80; 7. Shura, diplomacy and economic liberalization, 1980–2000; 8. Oman in the twenty-first century.

'This book weaves a deep understanding of Oman's history, politics, economics, religion and, very importantly, culture in a way that is particularly useful in understanding the challenges Oman faces today. A must-read for anyone interested in Oman or an understanding of religion and culture in affecting foreign affairs.' Stephen W. Buck, former US Foreign Service officer, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d'Affaires, Muscat (1979–83)