Bradley Hope, an investigative journalist and co-author of "Blood & Oil," shares insights into the fascinating yet complex world of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). He discusses MBS’s rise to power and the controversial Ritz crackdown. The conversation dives into sportswashing, examining how Saudi Arabia uses sports for image enhancement, and explores ambitious projects like NEOM. Hope also sheds light on the evolving US-Saudi relationship and the significant influence of sovereign wealth funds, making this a deep investigation into modern Saudi politics and culture.
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insights INSIGHT
Saudi Arabia's Rise
Saudi Arabia's history is tied to Islam's birthplace and the spice route.
It recently gained global prominence due to its vast oil reserves and a more assertive leadership.
question_answer ANECDOTE
MBS's Warlord Grandfather
MBS's grandfather, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, was a Bedouin warlord.
He secured control of the country through force before oil's discovery.
insights INSIGHT
MBS's Maverick Nature
MBS, unlike his more polished brothers, was a Saudi-centric maverick with a reformist mindset.
He was underestimated but always believed he could change things.
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This book chronicles the rapid rise of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and his significant influence on global politics. It details how MBS's ascent coincided with the erosion of the long-standing US-Saudi relationship based on oil for military protection. The authors explore MBS's relationships with international elites, including US bankers, Hollywood figures, and politicians, as well as his dealings with the Trump administration. The book also delves into MBS's efforts to attract foreign investment and his ruthless methods, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. It paints a vivid portrait of treachery and power grabs within the Saudi royal court and the broader implications of MBS's actions for the region and the world[1][2][5].
By far the highest production value I’ve ever done. We recorded this together in Bradley’s studio in London. It’s TV quality stuff so refer to youtube for this one.
And the podcast was as much in 90 minutes that we could possibly do around his book, Blood and Oil.
Blood and Oil is the story of MBS, Mohammed bin Salman, who is the crown prince and most powerful person in Saudi Arabia, he is as well, the singular vision responsible for most of the good but as well, most of the bad that Saudi Arabia has been responsible for since about 2017.
Some of the things that stand out from this episode that I would encourage you to stay around for include…
the Shiek Down, this brazen transference of power and wealth which MBS oversaw.
Bradley’s take on the supposed sports-washing this region has been all over the news for, specifically here, referring to football and golf.
The US/Saudi relationship
NEOM
And in between all of that a sense for MBS as told through the reporting and journalism of one of the best.
00:00 - Bradley Hope 02:30 - The Region - Oil, Religion, History 06:45 - Sovereign Wealth Funds 08:50 - Religious Divide Between Gulf Nations 010:41 - Saudi Arabia Young Country 13:40 - Understanding MBS 19:40 - The Shiek Down 27:35 - MBS & Risk 30:58 - MBZ - UAE 33:40 - Bradley’s Contrarian Take On Sportswashing 43:07 - Geopolitical Significance Of The Region 51:10 - Consultancies (McKinsey, etc) In Saudi 55:23 - NEOM 1:00:10 - Journalist Craft 1:05:15 - Has MBS Read Bradley’s Work & Does Bradley Still Love Journalism? 1:08:30 - Bradley Reflects On Changing Media Landscape 1:13:50 - Mecca & Medina 1:15:10 - Misunderstood Parts Of Saudi & Emirates
Curious Worldview 