Mohammed bin Salman: Transforming Saudi Arabia and Shaping a New World Order
Putra Mahkota Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has significantly changed the policies of Saudi Arabia. His efforts aim to reshape the global order. MBS, the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, employs smart strategies for this transformation.
In July 2022, President Joe Biden greeted MBS with a handshake at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. This was notable, as just two years earlier, Biden vowed to treat Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” due to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, rising oil prices shifted Biden’s stance. MBS’s control over oil made it impossible for the U.S. to continue viewing him as an enemy.
MBS seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties at a crucial time. The Ukraine war has increased oil prices, giving him the leverage to position Saudi Arabia in a critical role in the changing global landscape. When Biden requested MBS to lower oil prices, MBS refused. This surprised American diplomats, as he required steady oil revenue.
What are the key components of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 for Saudi Arabia?
Interview with Dr. Amir al-Fahim, Middle Eastern Politics Specialist
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. al-Fahim. Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has significantly changed the policies of Saudi Arabia. Could you elaborate on how his strategies are reshaping the global order?
Dr. al-Fahim: Thank you for having me. MBS has indeed redefined Saudi Arabia’s role on the global stage. His vision, articulated through Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence while also projecting Saudi Arabia as a critical player in global politics. This transformation includes bold reforms domestically and strategic alignments internationally, particularly highlighted during his meetings with figures like President Biden.
News Directory 3: The July 2022 meeting between Biden and MBS was pivotal. Can you discuss the implications of Biden’s change in stance towards MBS, especially after previously labeling Saudi Arabia a “pariah”?
Dr. al-Fahim: Absolutely. Biden’s shift underscores the complex interplay of global energy needs and diplomatic relations. Initially, Biden’s condemnation was a reaction to the Khashoggi murder, but the geopolitical landscape has changed significantly with events like the Ukraine war, which increased oil prices. This situation reinforced MBS’s leverage; the U.S. cannot afford to disregard him due to America’s reliance on Saudi oil. It illustrates how vital energy resources dictate international relationships, particularly in times of crisis.
News Directory 3: MBS has shown remarkable control over oil resources. How has he used this situation to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position?
Dr. al-Fahim: MBS’s control over oil has allowed him to assert more independence on the global stage. By refusing to lower oil prices despite requests from Biden, he demonstrated his strategies and priorities, making it clear that steady revenue is essential for his developmental projects. This move can be seen as a reassertion of Saudi influence, especially as nations look toward energy transitions. MBS is leveraging these circumstances to solidify Saudi Arabia’s geopolitics.
News Directory 3: Besides energy strategies, MBS has implemented significant social and cultural reforms within the kingdom. How do these reforms align with his broader goals?
Dr. al-Fahim: The reforms MBS is pushing, such as allowing women to drive and promoting gender mixing, serve to modernize Saudi society and attract foreign investment. By portraying a more progressive image, he hopes to entice global enterprises to partake in his ambitious plans, including the NEOM city project. These changes also aim to improve the kingdom’s international reputation, contrasting with its historical perception as an ultra-conservative society.
News Directory 3: Lastly, MBS is positioning himself as a peace broker in the Middle East, even reaching out to figures like President Erdogan. What does this portend for regional dynamics?
Dr. al-Fahim: MBS’s alliances, even with leaders previously hostile due to issues like Khashoggi, hint at a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. His focus on stability and economic growth in the region, alongside emerging partnerships, possibly reshapes traditional alignments and conflicts. This positioning could lead to unprecedented collaboration in addressing issues like security and economic development, fostering a potentially more stable Middle East.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. al-Fahim, for your insights into the transformative role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Dr. al-Fahim: My pleasure. The evolution of MBS’s policies is a fascinating subject, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to unfold in the coming years.
MBS’s rise to power includes extravagant spending, bold cultural reforms, and a devastating war in Yemen. His confident leadership has shaken the foundations of Saudi Arabia. The 2022 meeting with Biden marked a shift. MBS is ambitious and is aligning more with his global role.
Reforms in Saudi Arabia, such as allowing women to drive and public gender mixing, have become standard. New industries are emerging, and the city of NEOM is under construction. MBS also positions himself as a peace broker in the Middle East, strengthening ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, despite the latter’s intelligence leaks about Khashoggi’s murder.