Book: MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed Bin Salman
Author: Ben Hubbard
Review by: Nancy Hollister, retired, formerly vice president of manufacturing for National Linen Service; current member of the International Club of Atlanta, ACIR and World Affairs Council of Atlanta.
In 2020, I was fortunate to be able to visit five Middle Eastern countries before the U.S. was severely impacted by COVID-19. Half of our group had just visited Saudi Arabia, and based on their comments, I decided to add that to my travel plans for 2021. In order to prepare myself for the experience, a former trip leader suggested I read “MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed Bin Salman” by Ben Hubbard. And I am so glad I did.
Ben Hubbard’s position as a Middle East correspondent at The New York Times has put him in a position to better understand the man, the country, the challenges of the region and how all of this impacts the future of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people, as well as the world. He has done an exemplary job extracting information from many sources, adding to his own experiences.
Saudi Arabia has been facing an interesting time in its history with the decline of oil production, massive corruption, royals who prefer to be educated or live abroad and a world that demands more openness and thus change. It was assumed that Muhammad bin Nayef who was in the line of succession would face these challenges before he was deposed as crown prince in 2017. MBS, now 36 years old, assumed this title and more importantly the responsibilities.
What was the path that led to this decision? Mr. Hubbard does a fine job explaining MBS’s position within the royal family, his upbringing which is entirely different from other royals, and how he was able to earn the confidence of his father and then usurp power from others.
Two things that stand out for me was the fact that King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud made MBS responsible for the royals’ budget, as well as Saudi Aramco. How best to test the man’s ability? First, ask him to get corruption under control within the extended family, and second, manage one of the largest companies in the world with the world’s largest single hydrocarbon network.
Clearly, the transition has not been without challenges and failures, as exemplified by the lockup of the royals in the Ritz-Carlton, the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the Lebanese Prime Minister being detained.
Nonetheless, there is another side of the story with the announcement of Vision 2030 which clearly demonstrates very strategic thinking as MBS approaches each of the country’s challenges. As the text of of Vision 2030 states: “Our vision is built around three themes: A vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.”
Hubbard goes on to describe in detail what these mean. led to such things as the sale of 5 percent of Saudi Armco and an increasing emphasis on green energy; loosening up of societal restrictions: i.e., women driving, clothing requirements, etc.; emphasis on education especially in funding overseas education at the university level; changes in business and investment activities, infrastructure improvements; and tourism.
Although I had a particular interest in the subject due to my travels, I would highly recommend the book for anyone with an interest in international affairs and business. Saudi Arabia is experiencing massive change and no matter what the future may hold, it is important to understand the beginnings and its leadership. Hubbard leaves it to the readers to determine for themselves whether MBS will be an autocratic despot or a benevolent ruler — or maybe a little bit of both.
Clearly, this country’s near future is in his hands.
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