A Tale of Two Kings: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Future of Power in the Middle East | WorldNow

September 9, 2025 – Meet two of the most consequential leaders shaping the future of the Middle East.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is the revolutionary de facto ruler of one of the Middle East’s wealthiest nations – driving major economic and social reforms, forging a close relationship with President Trump, and drawing criticism over human rights abuses and power consolidation.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II is the cautious ruler of one of the region’s most economically strained countries – holding to power through alliance-building with Western leaders and cautious reforms, all while while stifling political dissent.

We sat down with Pulitzer Prize-Winner Karen Elliot House and journalist Aaron Magid to explore how these very different leaders are redefining monarchy, power, and the region’s future in the 21st century.

Learn more about our speakers and the books here.

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WorldNow with Jim Falk is hosted by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, Global Santa Fe, and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.

Presented in partnership with the Alaska World Affairs Council, Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, Columbia World Affairs Council, Columbus Council on World Affairs, Foreign Policy Association, Los Angeles World Affairs Council, Montana World Affairs Council, Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, World Affairs Council of Albuquerque, World Affairs Council of Austin, World Affairs Council of Charlotte, World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads, World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, World Affairs Council of New Orleans, World Affairs Council of Northwest Ohio, World Affairs Council of Orange County, World Affairs Council of San Antonio, World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, WorldBoston, and WorldOregon.

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WorldNow music composed by Zac Harmon and Christopher Troy

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