WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Containing seven of the world’s ten fastest growing economies, the African continent is rapidly becoming an important player in the global economy and international security.

Global challenges to the U.S. agenda foster the broad public perception that America is in decline. The rise of China threatens U.S. economic power, unrest in the Arab world rekindles anti-Americanism, and Iran and North Korea defy American demands to cease their nuclear weapons programs.

From afar, Saudi Arabia might appear immune to the turmoil and uncertainty engulfing nations such as Syria, Egypt, and Libya. But rather than being an oasis of stability in the Middle East, Karen Elliott House argues that Riyadh is nearing its own crisis point.