The Oil Kings
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
| Website | www |
The Oil Kings: How the U.S., Iran, and Saudi Arabia Changed the Balance of Power in the Middle East is a 2011 publication authored by Andrew Scott Cooper and released by Simon and Schuster. This work delves into the strategic dynamics among the United States, Iran, and Saudi Arabia within the context of the mid-20th century oil sector.
Key personalities such as Henry Kissinger, pivotal events including the 1970s oil embargo, and the Iranian Revolution are examined throughout the narrative. Cooper emphasizes the transformation of American reliance on Saudi oil and its overall dependence on petroleum—an element often underrepresented in mainstream historical discussions.
Brian Black, a professor specializing in history and environmental studies at Pennsylvania State University, commended the book in the Christian Science Monitor, referring to it as "a record that adds significant insight to one of the most important periods in the American relationship with petroleum."
Background
The author accessed numerous sources that remained classified until shortly before this book was published.
Content
The narrative opens with an account of Richard Nixon’s meeting with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, at the funeral of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Initially characterized by close cooperation, U.S.-Iran relations shifted during the 1970s oil embargo when Iran advocated for sustaining elevated oil prices, prompting the United States to realign its primary partnership toward Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, Iran’s economy declined as Saudi Arabia increased production to reduce oil costs. Brian Black observes that The Oil Kings mirrors themes from the film Syriana, depicting covert political maneuvers influencing oil distribution and international power structures.
While focusing chiefly on Nixon and Pahlavi, Black notes that the book’s documentation is somewhat limited.
Reception
Christian Emery from the London School of Economics lauded the book's "prescient and often compelling" insights, describing it as "a serious and significant contribution," though he suggested it occasionally overstates its argument. He also pointed out that its examination of U.S.-Middle Eastern oil relations during the 1970s is somewhat narrowly focused.
Brandon Wolfe-Hunnicutt, writing for the International Journal of Middle East Studies, praised it as "an intriguing narrative" that appeals both to experts and general audiences alike.
Brian Black highlighted the work’s originality in research, methodological rigor, and concentrated perspective.
Joan Oleck of The National offered a favorable review while noting a tendency toward excessive quotation use.
Publishers Weekly characterized it as "both a vivid study in sycophancy and backstabbing and a shrewd critique of Kissingerian geo-strategy."
Kirkus Reviews described it as "A revelatory, impressive debut."