Behind the Bastards Part One: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
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Jan 20, 2026 
David Bell, a writer and seasoned Saudi Arabia resident, delves into the intricate history of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and the Saudi Kingdom. He traces the origins of the House of Saud and the influential role of Wahhabism in state-building. Bell highlights the transformative impact of oil on Saudi wealth and governance, while shedding light on Abdulaziz's brutal tactics to maintain power. The discussion also touches on MBS's upbringing and the ongoing internal fractures within the royal family as Saudi Arabia navigates modernization.
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Reform Paired With Repression
- Mohammed bin Salman mixes dramatic social reforms with brutal authoritarian crackdowns at home.
- He uses Saudi wealth and influence abroad to push anti-democratic policies and extend his power.
Power Built On Religious Alliance
- The House of Saud built power by allying with Wahhabi religious hardliners from the 18th century onward.
- That alliance fused strict religious control with the family's political ambitions and survival tactics.
Religious Militancy Shapes State Choices
- Saudi rulers repeatedly partnered with religious extremists to mobilize fighters and legitimize rule.
- Those partnerships later forced the state to accommodate hardline demands or face insurgency.
