1. Introduction: Oman and its People Part 1. Themes in Omani Politics 2. The Sultans and the Ruling Family 3. Development of the Administration 4. Tribal Politics 5. External Influences on Omani Politics Part 2. Challenges to the Sultanate 6. Imams, Tribes and the Changing Nature of Challenges 7. The Mountain Rebellions: al-Jabal al-Akhdar and Dhufar 8. Coup d’Etat of 1970 and Volte-Face Appendix A. Glossary Appendix B. Abridged Genealogy of the Al Sa’id Appendix C. Military Commanders in the Sultanate Appendix D. Genealogies of the Tamimas of Five Principal Tribes Appendix E. Letter of Accession of Sa’id Bin Taymur (1932) Appendix F. British Official Representation at Muscat Appendix G. Summaries of Sultanate Budgets, 1921-47