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Once known for its probably endless oil reserves, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expanding its role in foreign affairs beyond energy. Whether it seeks to mediate peace in Ukraine, restore diplomatic relations with Iran, or deepen cooperation with China, Saudi foreign policy is constantly in the headlines and deserves further analysis.
To learn more about those changing dynamics, I consulted Bin Hubbard’s book MBS, the initials by which Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salguy is sometimes known. As the former New York Times bureau leader in Beirut, Hubbard’s in-depth portrait of Saudi Arabia drew on in-depth interviews conducted over six years. Their main target is Salguy, the man of the recent reforms.
The e-book chronicles MBS’s rise from being one of thousands of princes to crown prince in 2017. However, his reforms began in 2015, as soon as his father became king. Overseeing key areas of national interest: defense, economy, religion, and oil: MBS has implemented a series of reforms that have seen clerics lose influence, allowing women to drive and announcing a $500 billion futuristic city project, NEOM, among other bold initiatives.
Despite those big ideas, Hubbard’s e-book reminds the reader of the many potential dangers that the Saudi government could face in the coming years: the imaginable rise of internal conservative forces, a reaction from young people due to a deteriorating economy, disorders with neighboring countries due to Saudi Arabia’s questionable foreign policy, and deteriorating relations with the West due to the among other issues, human rights (the fate of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, one of many).
The question then becomes: will Saudi Arabia be able to further expand its reforms and sustainably improve its economy and foreign relations?Will MBS be able to maintain his grip on power?
The interpreter offers in-depth research and skillful observations on the most recent foreign events, published daily through the Lowy Institute.