Muhammad bin Salman's Saudi Reforms

Muhammad bin Salman's Royal Purge

On November 4, 2017, Saudi Arabia's King Salman issued a royal decree, appointing his son Muhammad bin Salman as the new crown prince, consolidating his power and setting the stage for a series of dramatic reforms. Muhammad bin Salman, then 32 years old, was now the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, with a clear vision for the country's future. This vision, however, came with a cost, as many of his relatives and potential rivals were about to find out.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Muhammad bin Salman's modernization efforts in Saudi Arabia are driven by a desire to diversify the country's economy, attract foreign investment, and improve the lives of its citizens. The standard story goes that he is a forward-thinking leader, committed to transforming Saudi Arabia into a more open and tolerant society. However, this narrative overlooks a crucial aspect of his strategy: the ruthless consolidation of power and the elimination of potential threats to his rule.

What History Actually Shows

Muhammad bin Salman's rise to power began in 2015, when his father, King Salman, ascended to the throne and appointed him as the deputy crown prince. Over the next two years, Muhammad bin Salman systematically sidelined his cousins and other potential rivals, often using anti-corruption campaigns as a pretext. Historian Madawi Al-Rasheed notes in her book "Salman's Legacy" that Muhammad bin Salman's strategy was to create a new power base, independent of the traditional Saudi royal family networks. On June 21, 2017, Muhammad bin Salman ousted his cousin, Muhammad bin Nayef, as the crown prince, paving the way for his own appointment. The fact that many of his detained cousins and relatives were held in the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh, where they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse, is a stark reminder of the brutal nature of his power struggle. According to Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst and author of "Kings and Presidents", Muhammad bin Salman's actions were designed to send a clear message to his opponents: those who resist his rule will be punished severely. As the years went by, Muhammad bin Salman continued to consolidate his power, using a combination of coercion and co-option to eliminate any potential threats to his rule. By 2018, he had firmly established himself as the dominant force in Saudi politics, with a clear vision for the country's future, but at a significant cost to his family and the traditional power structures of the kingdom.

The Part That Got Buried

Journalists and researchers who attempted to investigate the crackdown on Muhammad bin Salman's cousins faced significant obstacles, including strict censorship and intimidation from the Saudi government. The New York Times and other prominent news outlets were forced to tone down their coverage due to pressure from Saudi diplomats and advertisers. Specifically, the Saudi government's decision to withdraw advertising revenue from newspapers that published critical articles about the crackdown had a direct impact on the story's coverage. As a result, many journalists and news organizations chose to focus on more neutral topics, allowing the story to fade from public view. The lack of access to primary sources and the reluctance of insiders to speak on the record also hindered in-depth reporting on the issue. Saudi officials actively worked to discredit and silence critics, making it even more difficult for the story to gain traction.

The Ripple Effect

The crackdown on Muhammad bin Salman's cousins has had a direct impact on the current state of Saudi Arabia's economy, with the government's aggressive modernization efforts leading to the development of new industries and infrastructure projects. The construction of the NEOM megacity, a $500 billion project aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy, is a prime example of this. Many of the cousins who were detained and had their assets seized were prominent business leaders, and their removal from the scene has allowed Muhammad bin Salman to consolidate power and push through his vision for the country's future. The effects of this consolidation of power are still being felt today, with many Saudi citizens and foreign investors watching cautiously as the country undergoes rapid transformation.

The Line That Says It All

Muhammad bin Salman's consolidation of power through the detention of his cousins has resulted in a Saudi Arabia where the rule of law is increasingly subject to the whims of the ruling family.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the rise of Muhammad bin Salman and the modernization of Saudi Arabia.