Proposing a new paradigm for understanding politics in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, Herb (political science, Georgia State U.) critiques the theory of the rentier state and argues that political institutions, and specifically monarchism, must hold the center of any explanation of Gulf politics. He analyzes the importance of monarchism in the region, points out the crucial role of the ruling families in creating monarchial regimes, and argues that the prospects for the gradual emergency of constitutional democracies are better than generally supposed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)