A Diplomatic Rebirth: Mohammed Bin Salman's Visit to Washington Amid Controversies

On Tuesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House—a significant event marking his first official visit to Washington since the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Reports from the CIA implicated Bin Salman in commissioning the murder, a scandal that ignited widespread protests and momentarily isolated him on the global stage. However, the tides have shifted, and today, the shared interests of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, particularly in political and economic domains, have reestablished a cooperative front. The road to diplomatic rehabilitation for Bin Salman began cautiously during President Joe Biden's term and has gained momentum under Trump. The welcoming reception for the prince suggests potential discussions on new defense agreements, investments in artificial intelligence, and collaborations on civilian nuclear technology with the U.S. Over the past decade, under Bin Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has solidified a prominent diplomatic position in the Middle East, evolving into an essential ally for the United States—one that Trump emphasized recently. This transition was facilitated by leveraging the vast wealth from the country’s substantial oil reserves and a series of social reforms aimed at modernizing the nation, albeit without significant democratic progress. Bin Salman remains an authoritative ruler, suppressing dissent and criticism, but this authoritarian governance has not adversely impacted his relations abroad. Since becoming the de facto leader in 2017, Bin Salman has implemented ambitious internal reforms and sought to showcase the kingdom as a progressive entity. He famously engaged with Trump in 2018, outlining plans to introduce greater openness in the traditionally conservative monarchy, which adheres to a strict interpretation of Islam. The tragic case of Khashoggi, however, remains a dark chapter in his leadership. Following Khashoggi's disappearance, it was reported that he was murdered and dismembered by a team of Saudi operatives, an act that Bin Salman has consistently denied personal responsibility for, although he acknowledges it was carried out by individuals operating on behalf of the Saudi government. In the years leading to Khashoggi’s killing, Bin Salman pushed forward with various reforms aimed at dismantling oppressive structures, such as limiting the power of the religious police and promoting tourism through investments in entertainment and large-scale projects. Examples include the futuristic city Neom and the ambitious Mukaab cube initiative, which aim to diversify the economy and reduce the kingdom's reliance on oil by 2030. During Biden's election campaign, he pledged to internationally ostracize the Saudi regime for Khashoggi’s murder and ongoing human rights abuses. Nevertheless, by 2022, he had to recalibrate his stance in pursuit of better oil prices amid rising inflation, signaling the complexities in U.S.-Saudi relations. Conversely, Trump's rapport with Bin Salman has remained steadfast, demonstrated by his prior visits to Saudi Arabia and the reaffirmation of economic commitments that include massive investments in the U.S. During this upcoming visit, Bin Salman aims to deepen ties with the Trump administration, supported by a delegation of government officials. Protocols usually reserved for heads of state will be observed during the meeting, despite Bin Salman's official title. Trump is expected to announce the sale of advanced F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia during this visit, while Bin Salman hopes to establish a comprehensive mutual defense agreement to anchor future U.S.-Saudi relations, irrespective of potential changes in American leadership. In addition to defense discussions, initiatives focusing on artificial intelligence collaboration are anticipated to be explored. The Saudis would gain access to leading-edge technology, while they could, in return, provide the necessary funding and energy resources to support significant data centers. Furthermore, Bin Salman seeks cooperation on civilian nuclear technology from the U.S., emphasizing a shift towards diverse resource development away from oil dependency. Despite attempts to modernize, crude oil still constitutes about 60 percent of Saudi Arabia's revenue, and progress toward economic independence has been sluggish. The country is facing unprecedented financial challenges, including increasing debt and falling oil prices below budgetary requirements. On the geopolitical front, Saudi Arabia's diplomatic maneuvering has become increasingly notable, maintaining relations with major world players like China and Russia. Trump has consistently advocated for the normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations through the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic framework established during his first term. Yet, the ongoing conflict in Gaza complicates these aspirations, posing further hurdles in the path toward regional peace. Still, Trump aims to facilitate adherence to the accords by the conclusion of his presidency. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2