Bernard Haykel

Bernard Haykel, Princeton professor of Near Eastern Studies born in Lebanon, weighs in on Iran, Saudi Arabia and shifting regional power. He outlines how retaliation spread across the Gulf. He describes three possible futures for Iran and why he thinks the regime is likely to survive. He contrasts Saudi and Israeli aims and explains Mohammad bin Salman’s calculus and regional rivalry.

Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, an Egyptian-American writer, discusses his essay on the Arab mindset and its link to jihadism rooted in European philosophy. Ze’ev Maghen, a professor focused on Islamic history, and Bernard Haykel, a political Islam expert, join the conversation. They delve into the complex historical and political landscape of the Middle East, the impact of colonialism on ideology, and the struggles of Arab intellectuals. The dialogue also covers the evolving nature of Islamism, authenticity in religious thought, and the effects of modernity on traditional beliefs.

Bernard Haykel, Near Eastern Studies professor advising on Gulf politics; Guy Laron, historian of oil and author of Oil Wars. They discuss Saudi neutrality and Gulf fears of Iranian revisionism. They explore why oil infrastructure has largely been spared and whether the US aims to control Iran’s energy chokepoints. They weigh risks to the Strait of Hormuz and how rising prices shape strategic choices.

Frances Haugen, former Facebook whistleblower who exposed social media harms, talks courtroom rulings and industry accountability. Bernard Haykel, Princeton Near Eastern Studies professor, explains how Saudi leaders view the war with Iran and its ripple effects on Gulf economies and regional strategy. They cover lawsuits, platform design responsibility, Saudi investment priorities, and regional geopolitical shifts.

In this discussion, Bernard Haykel, a Princeton scholar and expert on Saudi politics, shares insights from his numerous interviews with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He reveals MBS's strategic alliance goals with the U.S. and the implications of Saudi normalization with Israel. Juan Gonzalez, a former U.S. national security official, analyzes rising tensions with Venezuela and the complexities of U.S. military pressure. Lastly, Geeta Gandbhir highlights issues around policing and systemic racism in her documentary about Ajika Owens, emphasizing the flaws of Stand Your Ground laws.