Alan Philowitz takes his readers through the history of Saudi Arabia, Islam, and the crude oil industry in "Saudi Arabia, Islam, and Oil." Topics covered include discussion regarding the dynamics of Saudi Arabia's history and oil wealth, and its application to the development of the nation as being the most important country in the Middle East and the most important member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. The position of Saudi Arabia as a nation is unique, but there are serious areas of concern that must be addressed for it to have a future that benefits its citizens, the region, and humanity. Islamic opposition to all things Western and the fundamentalism that arises when governments implement changes within nations in this region is a concern for the entire world. The overreliance today in these nations on oil exportation will have catastrophic effects for the entire world if these problems are not immediately faced.