Behind the Bastards Part Two: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
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Jan 22, 2026 In this engaging discussion, David Pell, a writer and podcaster, joins Robert to explore the life of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the controversial Saudi crown prince. They dissect MBS's privileged upbringing in the House of Saud, revealing how his sheltered childhood influenced his sense of entitlement and ambition. The duo navigates the complexities of Saudi oil dependency, the flawed employment system, and MBS's early rebellious nature. They also delve into family dynamics and significant power shifts, foreshadowing MBS's ruthless rise in the political landscape.
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Relative Privilege Drives Insecurity
- Though wealthy, MBS felt comparatively poor among princes and obsessed over relative status.
- That perceived lack drove risk-taking and status-driven purchases.
Lamborghini, Teenage Crash
- As a high school senior MBS bought a nearly $230,000 car against his father's advice.
- He soon crashed that Lamborghini and relied on a friend for rescue.
Family Deaths Open Political Doors
- Unexpected deaths of elder brothers created proximity to Prince Salman and fast-tracked MBS's rise.
- MBS exploited grieving-family dynamics to gain access and influence.
