“Inside the Kingdom: A Deep Dive into David Commins’ Saudi Arabia: A Modern History
David Commins’ Saudi Arabia: A Modern History is a seminal work that meticulously traces the emergence, consolidation, and evolution of the modern Saudi state. First published in the early 2000s and revised for later editions, the book offers readers a sweeping, accessible yet scholarly exploration of a kingdom that often appears enigmatic to the outside world. Commins delivers not only a chronological narrative but also a thematic deep dive into the cultural, religious, and political forces that have shaped Saudi Arabia over the past three centuries.
The Central Narrative: From Desert Tribes to Global Power
At the heart of Commins’ work is the Wahhabi-Saudi alliance, forged in the mid-18th century. Commins presents this relationship between Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, a fiery Islamic reformer, and Muhammad ibn Saud, a tribal leader, as the ideological and political foundation of modern Saudi Arabia. This partnership, blending puritanical Islamic reform with dynastic ambition, became the engine for the formation of the First Saudi State in 1744.
- The book then details the collapse and resurgence of Saudi power, including the Second Saudi State and finally the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the charismatic founder of the modern nation.
Religious Identity and Wahhabism
One of the book’s core strengths lies in Commins’ lucid explanation of Wahhabism, a form of ultra-conservative Sunni Islam that remains central to the Saudi state’s religious and political identity.
- Commins traces how Wahhabism shaped not only domestic law and governance but also influenced regional and international perceptions of Saudi Arabia.
- He carefully explores how Wahhabism evolved over time—especially in the face of global Islamic revivalism, pan-Arabism, and jihadist movements.
- Commins neither demonizes nor defends the ideology, but presents it in historical context, allowing readers to draw their own informed conclusions.
The Monarchy and Political Modernization
Commins details how the Saudi monarchy consolidated its power through tribal alliances, religious legitimacy, and oil wealth.
- The book sheds light on the gradual emergence of a bureaucratic state, often cloaked in traditionalism but increasingly reliant on technocrats and international partnerships.
- Events such as the 1979 seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Gulf War, and 9/11 are covered as major turning points that forced the kingdom to re-express its identity amid internal pressure and global scrutiny.
Economic Transformation and the Role of Oil
Commins dedicates considerable attention to the oil economy, rightly portraying the discovery of petroleum in the 1930s as a watershed moment. He explores:
- How oil revenues transformed a tribal society into a wealthy petro-state.
- The development of infrastructure, education, and healthcare, balanced against rising expectations and societal tensions.
- The paradox of a state that relies on modernity but governs through conservative religious and cultural norms.
Challenges and Contradictions
Commins does not shy away from the contradictions of Saudi modernity. He addresses:
- The tension between modernization and Islamic conservatism, especially regarding women’s rights, press freedom, and dissent.
- The slow and calculated reforms, such as those under King Abdullah and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including Vision 2030.
- The fragile social contract, where citizens accept limited political freedom in exchange for stability, welfare, and religious leadership.
Academic Style and Accessibility
While deeply researched, Saudi Arabia: A Modern History is written with clarity. Commins avoids jargon and provides context for those unfamiliar with Islamic or Middle Eastern history.
- The book includes maps, timelines, and key figures, making it suitable for students, policymakers, and general readers alike.
- It is often praised for its balanced tone—avoiding Orientalist tropes while still maintaining critical distance.
Criticisms and Limitations
Some reviewers note that the book, particularly in earlier editions, could have devoted more attention to Saudi society beyond the elite and clerical classes, such as youth, women, and migrant workers. Also, while Commins excels in political and religious analysis, cultural aspects such as literature, art, and daily life receive relatively less focus.
Nonetheless, his even-handed approach and ability to synthesize complex material make it one of the most respected histories of Saudi Arabia available in English.
Conclusion: Understanding a Kingdom in Transition
David Commins’ Saudi Arabia: A Modern History offers a vital, comprehensive account of one of the world’s most influential and misunderstood nations. From its origins in Wahhabi revivalism to its modern identity struggles amid globalization and reform, the book captures Saudi Arabia’s long arc of transformation. It is both a history of a nation and a meditation on how religion, politics, and modernity collide in the most unexpected places.
For anyone seeking to understand why Saudi Arabia is the way it is today, Commins’ work is not just recommended—it is essential.
