Kingdom of the Unjust

Kingdom of the Unjust examines the complex relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The book traces the historical foundations of Saudi Arabia's government and its decades-long alliance with the US. Benjamin investigates Saudi Arabia's political system, military purchases, and human rights record. Her research covers the nation's treatment of women, religious minorities, and dissidents, while analyzing how these issues intersect with US foreign policy interests. The book presents documentation about arms deals, oil agreements, and diplomatic arrangements between the two nations. It explores how Saudi Arabia has maintained its strategic partnership with the US despite significant differences in values and governance systems. Through this focused examination of US-Saudi relations, the book raises questions about the costs and consequences of international alliances based on economic and military interests rather than shared principles.

Readers found the book provided detailed research into the US-Saudi relationship and human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. The book's straightforward writing style made complex geopolitical topics accessible. Liked: - Clear breakdown of Saudi influence on US politics - Documentation of women's rights violations and activism - Analysis of arms deals and oil politics - Personal stories from Saudi citizens Disliked: - Some felt it focused too heavily on criticizing US foreign policy - A few readers wanted more historical background - Limited coverage of internal Saudi politics - Writing style described as "journalistic" rather than academic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) "Eye-opening look at a complex alliance," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review noted: "Strong on facts but light on solutions." Multiple readers praised the chapter on women's rights activism as particularly impactful.

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🔹 Medea Benjamin co-founded the women-led peace group CODEPINK and the fair trade advocacy organization Global Exchange, both significant forces in international activism. 🔹 Saudi Arabia and the U.S. formalized their alliance in 1945 during a historic meeting between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdul Aziz aboard the USS Quincy. 🔹 The book was published in 2016, just as Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 reform program, making it one of the first Western analyses of this pivotal transition period. 🔹 Saudi Arabia possesses approximately 16% of the world's proven petroleum reserves and maintains its position as the largest crude oil exporter globally. 🔹 For her investigative work on Saudi Arabia, Benjamin was placed on a no-fly list and has been arrested over a dozen times during peaceful protests.