Dunes and gloom: MBS’s annus horribilis
Summary
The episode examines Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s precarious position as Houthi attacks, economic setbacks, and a strained relationship with Donald Trump undermine his reform agenda. It also features a prison phone call with Sam Bankman-Fried, who reflects on effective altruism and his FTX fraud conviction while pursuing a pardon. Finally, the show covers the toxic smog choking Singapore and neighboring regions due to Indonesian wildfires exacerbated by a severe El Niño climate pattern.
Topics discussed
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Introduction and episode overview
Saudi Arabia: Houthi attacks and MBS's precarious position
Saudi economic struggles and failed diversification targets
The limits of Saudi influence over Donald Trump
Public support for MBS and historical context of his rule
Future challenges: External dependencies and deep reforms
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Effective Altruism: Origins and Silicon Valley influence
Interview with Sam Bankman-Fried: Background and FTX collapse
SBF on regret, innocence, and the path to bankruptcy
SBF's legal appeals and the future of Effective Altruism
Singapore and Indonesia: Toxic smog and public protests
Causes of the haze: Wildfires, peatlands, and El Niño
Government responses and transboundary pollution laws
Broader impacts of El Niño on food security and prices
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