Podcast Summary
Saudi Arabia's oil wealth transformed its future and investment in soccer: Saudi Arabia's $2 billion investment in soccer aims to increase global influence and host major tournaments, despite controversy surrounding its government's human rights record
Saudi Arabia's sudden surge in investment in soccer and its role as a geopolitical juggernaut can be traced back to a significant historical event in 1938. Despite being a historically closed-off and conservative country, the discovery of vast oil reserves transformed Saudi Arabia's future. This newfound wealth allowed the country to become a major player in global politics and sports, including soccer. The Saudi Arabian government's investment in soccer is significant, with over $2 billion spent, and their goals include increasing their global influence and hosting major international tournaments. The murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist critical of the government, highlights the lengths the Saudi government will go to silence criticism and maintain control. This episode of World Corrupt also touched on the comparison of Saudi Arabia's influence to that of Belgium in football and the potential impact of Darius Rucker hosting a golf tournament. Overall, the Saudi Arabian government's investment in soccer is a strategic move to increase their global influence and power.
US-Saudi partnership rooted in oil discovery and security guarantees: The US-Saudi relationship, founded on oil access and security commitments, has endured despite human rights concerns and geopolitical tensions, shaping Middle Eastern politics and global geopolitics.
The discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in its global influence, leading to a strategic partnership with the United States. This relationship began in 1945 when President Roosevelt secured US access to Saudi oil in exchange for a security guarantee. Over the decades, the US and Saudi Arabia collaborated on various geopolitical issues, including combating communism during the Cold War and working together against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. Despite concerns over human rights and democracy, the US has continued this partnership due to shared enemies, most notably Iran. The absolute monarchy nature of Saudi Arabia, where the king's decisions are final and dissent is not tolerated, has been a point of contention. However, the US has historically worked with flawed leaders in the name of stability. A current issue is the reign of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), who has been criticized for human rights abuses and his role in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The complex relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, with geopolitical implications for the Middle East and beyond.
From underdog to crown prince: Mohammed bin Salman's unexpected rise to power: Mohammed bin Salman, an unexpected choice due to his unconventional path and lack of royal pedigree, became Saudi Arabia's crown prince through his close relationship with his father.
Mohammed bin Salman, the current crown prince of Saudi Arabia, has risen to power in an unexpected and improbable way. He was not a favorite among the royal family, being the sixth son of the 25th son of the founding king. However, when King Abdullah died in 2015, his half brother, Salman, became king and anointed Mohammed as his successor. Despite having a BA in law and little experience outside of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed was chosen by his father due to their close relationship. While his older brothers were living jet-setting lifestyles and studying at elite universities, Mohammed was gaining firsthand knowledge of how Saudi Arabia functioned by being at his father's side. This unconventional path to power has been marked by significant events such as the Ritz Carlton incident, where he locked up family members and possibly tortured them, and his efforts to modernize and reform the kingdom.
MBS's insider knowledge of Saudi Arabia: MBS used his deep understanding of Saudi Arabia to eliminate rivals and present himself as a reformer, even if it meant underhanded tactics.
MBS's deep understanding of Saudi Arabia and its inner workings allowed him to outmaneuver rivals and implement changes with surprising ease, despite a lack of understanding of how Western allies operate. This insider knowledge enabled him to eliminate powerful figures like Mohammed bin Nayef in a brutal palace coup, even if it meant using underhanded tactics. Presenting himself as a reformer, MBS convinced the public that he was the right person for the job, even as he carried out forceful shakedowns. The Ritz Carlton gathering in Riyadh, where wealthy royal family members were invited only to be detained for questioning, is a prime example of MBS's unconventional methods.
MBS's Controversial Anti-Corruption Campaign: The Crown Prince's anti-corruption campaign involved detaining royals and businessmen at the Ritz Carlton, but MBS himself was later found to have engaged in extravagant spending. Saudi Arabia's population reacts with mixed feelings towards the campaign and its motives.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), gained power through a controversial coup, which involved detaining royals and businessmen in the Ritz Carlton hotel under the guise of an anti-corruption campaign. However, it was later revealed that MBS himself had engaged in extravagant spending on luxury items before the crackdown. The Saudi population's response to these revelations is complex, with many young people appreciating the lifting of social restrictions and the introduction of entertainment options, while older generations and critics remain skeptical of MBS's motives. Overall, the situation highlights the power dynamics and complexities within Saudi Arabian politics. Additionally, the text mentions Z Biotics, a product designed to help alleviate the negative effects of alcohol consumption. The product is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee and can be purchased with a discount at zbiotics.com/corrupt.
Oslo Freedom Forum: A Global Event for Freedom and Democracy: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reforms in Saudi Arabia, including women's right to drive and commercial cinemas, challenge the traditional partnership between the royal family and religious clerics, marking a historic shift in the kingdom and making him popular among younger Saudis.
The Oslo Freedom Forum is an event where individuals pushing for change and challenging oppression come together to drive positive impact on freedom and democracy. The forum, which is sponsored by the Human Rights Foundation, will be held from June 3rd to June 5th in Norway and features speakers from around the world. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a new generation leader, is making significant strides in reforming the kingdom, including giving women the right to drive and allowing commercial cinemas. These changes, while seemingly basic, are significant in a culture where conservatism is deeply ingrained. The partnership between the Saudi royal family and religious clerics, which has been the foundation of the country's social and political order for generations, is slowly being challenged. These reforms have made MBS popular among younger Saudis and mark a historic shift in the kingdom. To be part of this global movement for freedom and democracy, visit Oslo Freedom Forum's website and use the promo code "crooked" for a discount on tickets.
Saudi Arabia's Social Liberalization Gains Popular Support Among Youth: Social liberalization doesn't guarantee political reforms or economic opportunities. An autocrat can prioritize social changes without intending to grant democratic freedoms or improve living standards.
Social and cultural liberalization in Saudi Arabia, driven by Mohammed bin Salman, has garnered significant popular support among the youth, despite the absence of democratic reforms or economic opportunities. The assumption that social liberalization and political liberalization go hand in hand is not always true. Westerners may overlook this, but an autocrat can still prioritize opening movie theaters and allowing women to drive without intending to grant voting rights. The discussion also touched upon the ease of managing finances internationally using services like Wise, and the overwhelming choices in modern grocery stores.
Saudi Crown Prince's Controversial Actions Reveal Darker Side: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presented as a reformer, but actions involved wars, hostages, jailed activists, punished critics, and disregarded international laws, including the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
While Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) presented himself as a modern reformer to the Western world, his actions at home revealed a darker side. He launched wars, took hostages, jailed activists, and punished critics, creating a regime of fear. The international community was shocked when MBS was involved in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, disregarding international laws. Despite these controversies, MBS continues to wield significant power, and his actions have far-reaching consequences. It's essential to consider the complexities and nuances of global politics and power dynamics. In the realm of food, Magic Spoon offers a delicious, high-protein, low-sugar alternative to traditional cereals, making it a healthier choice for consumers. Their variety pack includes flavors like cocoa, fruity, frosted, and peanut butter, with each serving providing 13-14 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar, and 4-5 grams of net carbs. Magic Spoon's cereals are also keto-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, and soy-free. Try Magic Spoon's cereal today by visiting magicspoon.com/corrupt and using the promo code corrupt to save $5 off your order.
Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder at consulate sparks diplomatic crisis: Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder at the consulate in Istanbul revealed the involvement of Saudi Arabia's leader Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the importance of press freedom and the risks faced by critics of authoritarian regimes.
Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and dissident, was brutally murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2018. Turkish investigators found evidence that this operation was approved at the highest level in Saudi Arabia, leading to a major diplomatic crisis for the country. Khashoggi, who had previously lived in self-imposed exile in the United States after criticizing the Saudi government, had gone to the consulate to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. His disappearance and subsequent murder sparked international outrage, and it was revealed that he had founded an organization in Washington D.C. to advocate for the interests of the Saudi people and push for democracy and freedom. Saudi Arabia's leader, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is believed to have personally approved the operation against Khashoggi, who was a vocal critic of the regime. This tragic event underscores the importance of press freedom and the dangers faced by journalists and dissidents who speak out against authoritarian regimes. MBS's vindictive personality and human rights abuses have extended beyond Saudi Arabia's borders, and it is crucial to be aware of his influence in various industries, including sports and technology.
MBS's Rule Extends to Families of Critics: MBS's authoritarian rule not only targets critics but also their families, driving away talented young people and raising human rights concerns.
Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia's authoritarian rule extends beyond his direct foes to their families, as seen in the case of Khaled Al Jabri and his family. This extreme approach not only raises concerns about human rights but also drives away talented young people like Khaled, who dreamed of contributing to a healthier Saudi society. Khaled's story illustrates the daunting reality of not being able to return home due to political tensions, a basic longing that many, including tech leaders and footballers, grapple with despite the documented crackdown on dissent and social inequity in Saudi Arabia. The future of Saudi Arabia's economy, with its reliance on fossil fuels and MBS's Vision 2030 plan for diversification, is another intriguing aspect to explore.
Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Issues and Global Sporting Events: The podcast 'World Corrupt' reveals how Saudi Arabia's human rights issues have been overlooked as the country continues to host major global sporting events, raising questions about the integrity of international sports organizations.
Despite the numerous human rights issues and traumatic incidents discussed in the "World Corrupt" podcast, Saudi Arabia continues to be a favorite contender to host major global sporting events, such as the 2035 Women's World Cup. This is mind-bending, as the country's human rights record has been laid out in great detail, often with painful and traumatic accounts. Yet, despite this, the world continues to award Saudi Arabia with these accolades, leaving many questioning the integrity of international sports organizations and their decision-making processes. It's important to remember that these issues extend beyond just sports, and it's crucial that we continue to hold those in power accountable for their actions and prioritize human rights over profit and prestige. The podcast is a collaboration between Men in Blazers and Crooked Media's Pod Save the World, with executive producers and writers including Tommy Vitor, Roger Bennett, Jonathan Williamson, Giancarlo Bizzaro, and Ilona Minkowski, among others. The podcast aims to shed light on the corruption and human rights abuses within international sports organizations and the countries that host these events.
![[8] ... in conversation with Sonia Nandzik-Herman & Douglas Herman about the power of participative storytelling](https://www.podcastworld.io/podcast-images/high-confidence-films-and-human-rights-in-crisis-uhmwzfp0.webp)