AS PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN PREPARES to fight for reelection this November across a contentious battleground of U.S. states, the White House also finds itself vying for influence among several increasingly critical players on the world stage, among them a long-standing partner in the midst of groundbreaking changes in its policies at home and abroad.
Saudi Arabia is not only a swing state in terms of geopolitics, but also plays an outsized role on issues key to the U.S. election. It holds a pivotal place in the Middle East at a time when Israel's war with Hamas has become central to the campaign, and as the world's biggest oil exporter it is a powerful player in determining oil prices, which could also be important given inflation is among U.S. voters' top concerns.
At 38, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia is one of the world's youngest de facto heads of state and the driving force behind a nationalist agenda taking hold in the kingdom. His father, King Salman, 88, has led since 2015 but has handed increasing control to his seventh son since naming him next to rule in 2017 and prime minister in 2022, amid growing concerns over the monarch's health.
The transformation overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed, often referred to simply as MbS, has led to substantial shifts in the kingdom's domestic outlook, which has embraced a more globalized character and a transition away from oil dependence, among other initiatives in line with the youngest-ever heir to the throne's ambitious Vision 2030 plan.
Denne historien er fra June 14, 2024-utgaven av Newsweek US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 14, 2024-utgaven av Newsweek US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
An integrated model for water management
Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies has deep expertise and synergistic capabilities across the full water and wastewater value chain
Investments that are transforming life in Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company is creating distinctive destinations and experiences that encompass multiple sectors
A Kinder and Gentler Nick Cave
After a period of personal upheaval, the famed Bad Seeds singer returns with the vibrant and optimistic 'Wild God'
Fleeing War and Scams
Newsweek spoke to three Ukrainians who have been targeted by \"sponsors\" trying to profit from applicants seeking refuge in the U.S. via a humanitarian scheme
Is 'The Squad' Splintering?
The progressive group of Democrats lost two members in recent primary defeats and its leader is tilting mainstream. What now?
CASH CRUNCH
Leaders, including President Joe Biden, have hailed the strength of the U.S. economy. But middle-class Americans told Newsweek
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
The reality is most things that I've done, I rarely talk to women on screen. And it gets a little tired.
Nick Jonas
I have a big imagination. I'm very ambitious and want to do it all. And thankfully, I get to.
Tour de Force
One of the best live acts around, Swedish rock titans The Hives talk to Newsweek ahead of their U.S. headline concert dates about opening for Foo Fighters and nearly collaborating with André 3000
Mummy's Dark Secret
Research into the body of a woman buried 3,500 years ago in Egypt may reveal the painful truth behind her facial expression.
