English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English #594 | Mohammed Bin Salman & The Rise of Saudi Arabia
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Feb 12, 2026 A fast rise to power inside the vast Saudi royal family and the shift from brother-to-brother succession to a younger generation. The 2017 consolidation of influence, including high-profile detentions and asset seizures. Ambitious Vision 2030 plans, global investments and a futuristic city project. Social liberalisation moves alongside crackdowns and a world-shocking political murder.
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MBS's Low-Key Rise From Ordinary Prince
- Mohammed bin Salman grew up not expecting to be king and led a comparatively grounded youth in Saudi Arabia.
- He later cultivated networks, studied law, and worked in administrative roles that taught him how power actually operated.
Networks, Not Institutions, Drive Power
- In Saudi Arabia, informal networks of trust and patronage are the real engines of power rather than parties or elections.
- MBS used this understanding to gain influence by building ties across business, security, and royal networks.
Rapid Promotion Gave MBS Key Levers
- After King Salman became monarch, he rapidly promoted his son, giving MBS control of defence and the royal court.
- These roles put MBS in charge of the military and access to the king, enabling rapid centralisation of power.