Alexei Mikhailovich Vasiliev (published also under the names Alexey Vasiliev and Alexei Vassiliev; Russian: 袗谢械泻褋械虂泄 袦懈褏邪虂泄谢芯胁懈褔 袙邪褋懈虂谢褜械胁; born April 26, 1939, in Leningrad, Soviet Union) is a prominent Russian Arabist and Africanist. Dr. of Science (1981-), Professor (1991-), full member (academician) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) since 2011.
Honorary President of the Institute for African Studies of the RAS (2015-). Director of the Institute for African Studies (1992-2015). Head of the Chair for African and Arab Studies of Peoples鈥� Friendship University of Russia (2013-).
Special Representative of Russian President for Relations with African leaders (2006-2011). President of the Centre for Civilizational and Regional Studies of the RAS. Chairman of the RAS Scientific Council for the problems of economic, socio-political and cultural development of African countries. Member of the International Security Section of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. Member of the Academic-expert Council under the Speaker of the Council of Federation (Senate) of the Russian Federation. Member of the Foreign Policy Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Editor-in-chief of Asia and Africa Today journal (1998-). Member of the editorial council of Social Evolution & History journal. Member of the Russian Pugwash Committee under the Presidium of the RAS.
I read the English translation. Fascinating. A real page turner. Here are a few positives I could list:
1. Methodology: In addition to going through archive material, Vassiliev conducts interviews with relatives, contemporaries, allies, and adversaries, all of which produce some very insightful quotations in the book.
2. Context: Vassiliev has written at least one book on Saudi Arabia's history. He knows the country well, and has made good use of that knowledge.
3. Writing style: Vassiliev has an interesting way of writing about a particular subject and then all of a sudden, without warning, moves on to something else. I was caught off guard a few times... these transitions kept me on my toes.
One downside:
The chapter on the Yemeni civil war: I felt it was too drawn out; maybe because I have no real interest in that country. Towards the end of the chapter, I couldn't help skipping a few pages.
Excellent biography. Exhaustively researched and well written life of one of the pivotal men of the 20th Century. Refreshing in its approach. The author being Russian I think adds a different look that one would not find if it were written by a Western author.
This is practically the MOST expensive book in my library and it is one of the most cherished ones. A really insightful book about one of the most unique Muslims leaders in recent history. Most of us know him with reference to '73 Oil Embargo ; but Shah Faisal was much more than that . I enjoying every moment of reading it and highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in Saudi Arabia and how it was shaped .
A highly engrossing book about one of the most unique leaders in recent history. The books explores in great detail Shah Faisal's life , his times , his beliefs and how he had a great impact on the World as we know it now. A must read for anyone who has an interest in Saudi Arabia and it's role in the world affairs.