In January 2015, the Saudi Arabian monarchy was poised for a significant shift as the 90-year-old King Abdullah lay dying in a hospital. His half-brother Salman was about to ascend the throne, and with him, his favored son, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), was already plotting a transformation of the kingdom.
At just 29 years of age, MBS envisioned radical changes within Saudi Arabia, aiming to break the country’s traditional reliance on oil. Under the cover of darkness, he conducted a clandestine meeting with a senior security official, Saad al-Jabri, determined to secure his loyalty amidst fears of internal plots against him. This meeting, lasting three hours instead of the planned half-hour, included discussions of sweeping economic reforms and investments in technology to empower the future workforce of Saudi women.
MBS’s ambitions were ambitious enough to draw comparisons to historical figures like Alexander the Great, reflecting both a desire for modernization and the burdens of potential betrayal from his own royal family. Jabri has since offered insights into the inner workings of MBS’s regime, shedding light on major controversial events, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia’s military involvement in Yemen.
As the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, MBS has initiated several groundbreaking policies while facing accusations of human rights abuses, including the suppression of dissent and the harsh treatment of activists. This transition represents both a significant stride toward modernization and a complex balancing act fraught with risks, especially as MBS navigates a landscape of increasing power amid longstanding traditions.
The historical context of Saudi succession reveals that MBS emerged from relative obscurity despite being a son in a lineage traditionally monopolized by his father, King Salman, and his multiple brothers. This situation has led to intense scrutiny by Western intelligence agencies, particularly during the early days of his rise when he was not widely recognized as a potential leader.
The ensuing war in Yemen, initiated shortly after MBS was named Defense Minister, has drawn criticism for its catastrophic humanitarian consequences, demonstrating his often impulsive decision-making style that bypasses the slower, more collaborative processes typical of Saudi governance.
The implications of MBS’s reign extend beyond regional conflicts; his economic strategies and attempts at international normalization, including efforts to engage with Israel, illustrate a transformative approach that has garnered both praise and skepticism on the global stage. As tensions mount, with fears of assassination stemming from his bold geopolitical maneuvers, MBS remains engaged in redefining Saudi Arabia’s place in the world—a daunting task for a young leader carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
