Always Be Normalizing: Society & Policy in the Transforming Gulf States

This week, Steve and Galen are joined by Andrew Leber, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Tulane University, to discuss the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. The discussion kicks off with an analysis of the Israel-Iran conflict and how Gulf States like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are navigating their foreign policy in light of recent developments. They take a deep dive into Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, assessing its impact on the nation's social reforms, economic strategies, and the role of oil in its future. The conversation also covers the future of US-Saudi relations, particularly in the context of regional stability and economic diversification.For more information on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 policy, read Prof. Leber’s recent analysis for the Carnegie Endowment.And Prof. Leber’s even more recent piece on the Gulf States’ response to the Israel-Iran War, also for the Carnegie Endowment.Book Corner:* Nuclear War: A Scenario* Our Dollar, Your ProblemChapters:00:00 Special Guest Introduction03:19 Saudi Arabia and Iran: A Shifting Relationship11:05 Saudi-Israeli Normalization: Prospects and Challenges20:12 Public Opinion and the Arab Street34:28 Strategic Investments and Economic Diversification42:57 Comparing Saudi Arabia and UAE50:00 Repression and Media Freedom55:39 Saudi Foreign Policy and US Relations01:01:33 Book Corner: Discussing Recent Reads This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globaltantrum.substack.com