Mohammed bin Salman’s Diplomatic Makeover: From Isolation to Global Mediator

Watan-After years of international isolation due to his involvement in the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to reintroduce himself as a global leader capable of mediating international conflicts.

Once considered a political pariah, he is now positioning himself as an influential diplomatic figure. His recent mediation efforts in Ukraine, involvement in prisoner exchange deals between Moscow and Kyiv, and even between the U.S. and Russia, highlight this transformation.

Recent reports suggest that Saudi Arabia could be the proposed host for a summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin—a role that the UAE had been vying for. However, bin Salman outmaneuvered Abu Dhabi and secured the opportunity for Riyadh. This shift is not just a short-term political maneuver but part of a broader strategy to rebuild his international reputation.

In the past, bin Salman was seen as a reckless ruler involved in the Yemen war, the blockade of Qatar, the detention of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a diplomatic dispute with Canada, and a harsh crackdown on domestic opposition.

However, by investing billions in diplomatic initiatives and international projects, he has now positioned himself as a key player in global politics, particularly through Saudi Arabia’s role in easing tensions between Russia and Ukraine via humanitarian aid and prisoner mediation.

Given these developments, analysts question whether bin Salman can successfully reshape his image from that of an “authoritarian dictator” to a “diplomatic leader.”

Can he truly move past the negative legacy of his past policies? Or are these efforts merely part of a grander plan to secure his path to the Saudi throne and cement himself as a central figure in the emerging global order?