Steve Coll

Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and expert on Saudi Arabia, dives into the rich historical tapestry of the country’s formation. He discusses Ibn Saud’s strategic alliances and the interplay of British interests during World War I. Coll highlights the transformative impact of oil discovery on Saudi society and the role of figures like Harry Philby in shaping the oil industry. The complexities of Wahhabism, Riyadh's rapid development, and the intricate dynamics of leadership succession provide captivating insights into the nation’s emergence.