Oman: The Sultanate on the Edge offers a timely and insightful analysis of Oman’s evolving role as a mediator and its precarious position within a volatile regional landscape.
Tracing Oman’s trajectory from the rise of Sultan Qaboos in 1970 to the reform agenda of Sultan Haitham, the book examines the political, economic, and strategic factors that have shaped the Sultanate’s distinctive foreign policy. It explores how Oman’s geography - particularly its control over the Musandam Peninsula and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz - has elevated its regional significance, while also exposing it to external pressures. By analysing Oman’s involvement in regional diplomacy, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf, the study highlights the legacy of cautious statecraft that underpins its mediating role. At the same time, it considers domestic challenges, including economic diversification, limits on political dissent, and the resilience of authoritarian governance, assessing the long-term prospects for the Al Said regime.
This book will appeal to students and scholars of Middle East politics and international relations, as well as policymakers and general readers interested in Oman’s unique position in regional and global affairs.