Books on the Historical Ties Between America & the Arabian Peninsula

Professor Natalie Koch joined on The afikra Podcast and reflected on the historical connections between the American Southwest and the Arabian Peninsula, as explored in her book Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia. She shared insights on empire-building, desert landscapes and the story of Hi Jolly, and recommended several books that trace the agricultural, economic, and geopolitical ties between these regions.

Money, Markets, and Monarchies
by Adam Hanieh

Includes a strong chapter on contemporary agricultural commodity circuits in the Gulf

via Cambridge University Press

Desert Kingdom: How Oil and Water Forged Modern Saudi Arabia

by Toby C. Jones

A critical look at the intersection of natural resources and state power in Saudi historyake it stand out

Via Harvard University Press

A Mission for Development: Utah Universities and the Point Four Program in Iran
by Richard Garlitz

Explores agricultural and educational ties between Utah and Iran

Via Colorado University Press

Oil for Food
by Eckart Woertz

A detailed history of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural development and food politics

Via Academia.edu