The Foreign Policy of Saudi Arabia
The Formative Years, 1902-1918

Goldberg argues that a profound transformation in the nature of Saudi relations with the outside world occurred during the years under study. In contrast with earlier Saudi rulers, who expanded territorially without limit and disdained alliances only to lose their kingdoms in the end, Ibn Saud (r. 1902-53) pursued an extremely sophisticated Realpolitik that laid the foundations of today's Saudi state. This meticulous and thorough account shows Ibn Saud's ability to deal with political complexities and confirms Goldberg's view of Ibn Saud as a political genius. The author argues that Ibn Saud's foreign relations lastingly influenced the Saudi state in two ways. Externally, they set the parameters of Saudi expansion and defined its generally moderate policies toward neighbors and the great powers. Domestically, they facilitated the process of modernization. Goldberg makes a convincing case that Ibn Saud engaged in radically new acts that continue profoundly to influence the course of Arabian history.