Introduction

This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Nicolas Pelham of The Economist and author of a recent article in 1843 magazine entitled "The Mystery of Morocco's Missing King." They talk about the Moroccan monarchy, King Mohammed VI’s unusual friendship with a German kickboxer, and what it means for the future of Morocco. Later, Jon continues the conversation with Natasha Hall and Danny Sharp, as they compare the different ruling strategies of Arab kings.

• Nicolas Pelham, "MBS: despot in the desert," 1843 magazine, July 28, 2022.
• Transcript, "Nicolas Pelham: Morocco's Missing King," CSIS, May 30, 2023.