Part 1: The Environment 1. The Economic Geography of Oman 2. The Historical Background 3. The government of Sultan Sa’id bin Taimr, 1932–1970 Part 2: Sultan Qaboos and the New Order 4. The emergence of the Authority of Sultan Qaboos 5. The Civil War in Dhofar 6. Political Opposition: The Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman 7. The Development of Ministerial Government 8. The Development of the Institutions of Government Part 3: The Challenge of the Future 9. The Durability of the Government of Sultan Qaboos 10. Oman and its Neighbours Appendices: 1. The Word of Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur 2. PFLO Policy Intentions for Oman 3. Oman Law on Economic Development. Maps.
Biography
John Townsend was Economic Adviser to the Government of Oman during the 1970s.
Original Reviews of Oman: The Making of the Modern State:
‘This book reflects [the author’s] wide knowledge of the country and its problems; yet it is written in such a clear and concise style as readily to interest the uninitiated reader…the heart of the book lies in the author's portrait of the creation of a modern government out of an antiquated, medieval administrative skeleton…’ J.E. Peterson, Middle East Journal, Vol 32, Issue 2 (1978)
‘…A most welcome addition to the scant literature on Oman…’ Calvin H. Allen, Jr. Review of Middle East Studies, Vol 12, Issue 2 (1978)
