Mohammed bin Salman's Rise to Power: A Journey
How did a young Saudi prince become one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East? What strategies did he use to consolidate his control over the kingdom?
In their book Blood and Oil, Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck explore Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power in Saudi Arabia. They detail the prince's ambitious vision, controversial tactics, and far-reaching impact on the kingdom and beyond.
Read on to discover the fascinating story of how MBS transformed from an obscure royal to the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia.
The Meteoric Rise of Mohammed bin Salman
Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power in Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of meteoric. Commonly known as MBS, he has rapidly ascended to an unprecedented level of authority within the kingdom's governance. His journey to the top has been marked by strategic moves, consolidation of power, and a vision for transforming Saudi Arabia's future.
Climbing the Royal Ladder
MBS's rise began in 2008 when he persuaded Verizon to establish a fiber-optic network in Saudi Arabia. This business success, along with his father Salman's support, set the stage for his ascent. After King Abdullah's death, King Salman reorganized key positions, elevating MBS in the succession order despite his initial lack of consideration.
As MBS climbed the ranks, he faced resistance from within the royal family. He dealt with this opposition through various tactics, including threats and imprisonment. A notable incident occurred when numerous business magnates and officials were confined within a luxury hotel. This move showcased MBS's readiness to use forceful methods to consolidate his authority.
Reshaping Saudi Power Structures
MBS didn't stop at securing his position; he went on to mastermind a significant reorganization of Saudi Arabia's power dynamics. He took direct control of the military and security forces, areas that were historically influenced by various branches of the royal family. This centralization of authority marked a significant shift in the kingdom's power structure.
But MBS's ambitions weren't limited to military control. He also focused on consolidating his grip on the country's economic mechanisms. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) became a central player in these efforts, aiming to accumulate a diverse collection of global investments valued at $2 trillion by 2030.
Vision 2030: Transforming Saudi Arabia
MBS's rise to power came with a grand vision for Saudi Arabia's future. His plan, known as Vision 2030, aims to transform the kingdom's economy and society into a more diverse and modern nation.
Moving Beyond Oil
A key aspect of MBS's strategy involves reducing Saudi Arabia's reliance on oil. This includes the historic listing of Aramco on the stock market, which raised an impressive $25.6 billion. The funds from this IPO are being channeled into developing sectors beyond oil, aligning with the goals of the sovereign wealth fund.
One of the boldest initiatives in this economic transformation is NEOM, a futuristic urban center with an estimated budget of $500 billion. This project is designed to make Saudi Arabia a hub for business, innovation, and intercultural dialogue, focusing on industries like tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy.
Modernizing Saudi Society
MBS's vision extends beyond economic reforms to include social liberalization. Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has seen an expansion of women's rights, including lifting the ban on female drivers. The kingdom has also witnessed the development of a recreational industry, with the establishment of luxury beach resorts and cultural events signaling a move towards a more open social environment.
These changes mark a significant departure from Saudi Arabia's traditionally conservative stance. MBS has declared his commitment to eradicating extremist ideologies and fostering a version of Islam he describes as moderate. The nation has started to embrace a range of cultural activities and forms of entertainment previously shunned, while also promoting women's involvement in societal roles and welcoming international visitors.
International Ambitions and Regional Power Plays
MBS's influence extends beyond Saudi borders. He's taken an active role in international diplomacy and regional affairs, often with bold and controversial moves.
One of his most significant actions was initiating a military campaign in Yemen. This operation, dubbed "Decisive Storm," was aimed at Houthi rebels but has led to significant civilian casualties and is generally considered unsuccessful. This involvement has heightened regional tensions, particularly with Iran.
MBS has also taken unprecedented steps against other Gulf nations. In 2017, Saudi Arabia imposed a sweeping embargo on Qatar, accusing it of backing terrorist activities and deepening ties with Iran. This move led to significant economic isolation for Qatar and demonstrated MBS's willingness to take bold, and sometimes ill-advised, approaches to foreign policy.
The Dark Side of Power
While MBS's rise has been marked by ambitious reforms and grand visions, it has also been tainted by controversy and human rights concerns. The assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 stands out as a particularly dark chapter in MBS's rule.
Khashoggi, once close to the royal family, had become a vocal critic of MBS's policies. His murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul sparked international outrage and severely damaged MBS's global reputation. The CIA's assessment implicating MBS in the murder led many individuals and businesses to distance themselves from him.
Beyond the Khashoggi incident, MBS's rule has been characterized by a broader pattern of authoritarian governance. Critics and activists have faced arrest and allegations of torture. The government has also employed surveillance and cyber warfare tactics to quell dissent, both within Saudi borders and abroad.
As you can see, Mohammed bin Salman's rise to power has been a complex journey, marked by ambitious reforms, controversial decisions, and significant challenges. While he's pushed for modernization and economic diversification, his rule has also been characterized by a harsh crackdown on dissent and human rights concerns. The long-term impact of his leadership on Saudi Arabia and the region remains to be seen.