Ben Hubbard

The podcast delves into the rise of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, from major social reforms to brutal crackdowns. They discuss the infamous Ritz Carlton lock-up, the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and the disappearance of MBS' rivals' family members. Also, they explore MBS' massive investment in soccer and its global implications.

Ben Hubbard, CEO of Nexus PMG, joins the podcast to discuss opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, waste conversion into upcycled materials, and biomass. Greenbacker Capital Management's investment in Nexus highlights the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure. The speakers also explore the use of woody biomass in sustainable aviation fuel, the impact of policy on the renewable energy market, and challenges in scaling low-carbon infrastructure projects.

Ben Hubbard, the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into President Biden's controversial engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discuss Biden’s shift from branding Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' to seeking collaboration amid rising oil prices. Hubbard highlights the tense fist bump at their meeting, the implications for human rights post-Khashoggi, and the strategic outcomes, including efforts in technology and regional security. It’s a captivating exploration of the complexities in U.S.-Saudi relations.

Ben Hubbard, the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into the recent Gaza conflict and Hamas's surprising claims of victory despite heavy losses. He explores the group's historical roots and how their ideology drives a commitment to violence. The discussion reveals Hamas's evolution into a governing authority amidst ongoing challenges, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the conflict. Hubbard critiques current strategies in the Israeli-Palestinian struggle, suggesting they often perpetuate, rather than resolve, the underlying issues.

Ben Hubbard, Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times and author of "MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman," dives into the controversial reign of Saudi Arabia's crown prince. He discusses MBS's unexpected ascendancy, the chilling aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, and the use of technology in controlling dissent. Hubbard also explores the dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations under Trump, the implications of ambitious projects like NEOM, and the ongoing challenges of reforming a tightly controlled regime.