Episode Details

The coronavirus pandemic, coupled with a massive reduction in global demand for oil, has left Saudi Arabia in a dire economic state. MBS has been forced to sideline his ambitious Vision 2030 plan while implementing a series of austerity measures that could undermine the regime’s stability. Add in pressing foreign policy challenges, including the humanitarian disaster in Yemen and the complexities of the US-Saudi relationship, and the kingdom is facing a perfect storm.

This week, Laura talks to Yasmine Farouk about how the kingdom and MBS can weather the storm. They discuss Saudi Arabia's rapid and effective containment of the coronavirus, the implications of the country’s economic downturn, and how it should best navigate its foreign policy struggles.

Additional reading:

Updating Traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Coronavirus Response

Saudi Arabia: Aid as a Primary Foreign Policy Tool