Global Conversations: Saudi Arabia in Transition

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As Saudi Arabia struggles to adjust to the drastic decline in oil revenue, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman attempts to boldly transform the country and shift more power to the younger generation. At the same time, many countries such as the U.S. point out the lack of democracy, women’s rights and human rights in Saudi Arabia, and blame its promotion of Wahhabism, an extremely conservative version of Islam, for creating jihadists. Both countries need each other, but they are at a crossroads in bilateral relations.

On the heels of a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson will discuss the fragile – but important – relationship.