The Builder

MBS: Shaping Peace and Power at a Defining Moment in History

Frederic E. Teboul, Thierry Pastor

• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Year: 2025
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• eBook ISBN:
  9781510784260
• Subtopic: Political Biographies
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia stands as a pivotal figure in the twenty-first-century geopolitical landscape, embodying both transformative ambition and strategic acumen. As the architect of Vision 2030, he has undertaken the monumental task of steering his nation toward modernization and securing its economic future in a volatile and competitive global order.
 
In the West, the Crown Prince remains an enigmatic presence. A reformer and a consummate strategist, he navigates the complex dynamics of a nation at the crossroads of global strategic interests. Balancing the pressures of economic rivalry and geopolitical conflict, he has positioned himself as a pragmatic yet resolute leader, intent on elevating Saudi Arabia to the ranks of the world’s dominant powers.
 
This work offers a groundbreaking and deeply analytical portrait of Mohammed bin Salman, departing from the simplistic clichés often associated with his persona to delve into the intricacies of his leadership. Beyond the polarizing narratives, the Crown Prince emerges as a compelling force—one capable of reshaping global power dynamics and redefining his nation’s role on the international stage.
 
In an era defined by uncertainty, this book presents an indispensable exploration of a leader whose influence reaches far beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. Combining meticulous research with sharp insight, it reveals a man whose decisions resonate across economies, alliances, and global systems. It is an account for anyone seeking to understand not only the man but also the world he is shaping.
 

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half-Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Epigraph
• Foreword by Professor Alan Morton Dershowitz
• Foreword by Ahdeya Ahmed Al-Sayed
• Preface
• Introduction
• 1. From Tribes to the Modern Kingdom: The Formation of Saudi Arabia
• 2. Ascendancy of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: From Royal Lineage to Visionary Leadership
• 3. A Tumultuous and Evolving Global Landscape
• 4. Regional Dynamics in a Volatile Landscape
• 5. The Ascendance of a Statesman Amidst Global Scrutiny
• 6. Understanding Others
• 7. The Emergence of a New Role
• 8. Transitioning to the Post-Oil Era
• 9. Vision 2030: The Evolution of a Nation
• 10. Saudization and the Resurgence of National Pride
• 11. Uniting the Kingdom: The Crown Prince’s Vision for Saudi Arabia
• 12. The Pursuit of Excellence
• 13. A Strategic Reorientation of Vision
• 14. Humanitarian Endeavors in Islam
• 15. Charting Sustainable Peace in the Middle East
• 16. Advocating for a Sustainable Future
• 17. Toward a New Energy Paradigm: Civil Nuclear Power
• 18. October 7, 2023: The Geopolitical Quagmire
• 19. New Pathways to Peace
• 20. Saudi Leadership: The Missing Piece to Peace?
• Conclusion
• Appendix 1: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Royal Family Tree
• Appendix 2: Summary and Progress of Vision 2030
• Appendix 3: Vision 2030–2024 Annual Report (Executive Summary)
• Glossary of Acronyms
• Index
• Acknowledgments
• About the Authors