Podcast•Feb 23, 2026•1h 16m
The Man Who Would Be King of Saudi Arabia (with Karen Elliott House)
In this episode, Russ Roberts talks with journalist Karen Elliott House about her new book on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, examining the Saudi leader’s drive to modernize the kingdom while consolidating political power. House outlines MBS’s motivations—economic diversification, geopolitical influence, and a desire for social liberalization—alongside the contradictions of authoritarian control and human‑rights concerns. The discussion highlights key reforms such as Vision 2030, cultural openings, and the risks posed by internal dissent and external pressures. House argues that the crown prince’s balancing act will shape Saudi Arabia’s future trajectory, for better or worse.
