Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has skillfully portrayed himself as the architect of a new, progressive Saudi Arabia—one that is shedding its ultra-conservative shackles and stepping boldly into the modern world. His reforms, from allowing women to drive to loosening the rigid rules of male guardianship, have garnered applause from the international community. But beneath the surface, MBS’s reformist narrative is nothing more than a carefully orchestrated ruse, designed not to truly empower the Saudi people, but to entrench his authoritarian control and neutralize the rising threat of political awareness.

The Real Threat: Exposure to the West and Freedom’s Call

At the heart of MBS’s reforms lies a deeper fear—the fear that the Saudi population, particularly the youth, is becoming increasingly aware of the freedoms enjoyed by the rest of the world. The rise of the internet, global media, and social networks have exposed the Saudi people to democratic ideas and human rights, concepts that threaten the very foundation of MBS’s regime. With more Saudis traveling abroad, studying in Western countries, and engaging in global conversations, the rigid grip of the monarchy faces an unprecedented challenge.

Saudi Arabia’s youth, in particular, is growing restless. Over half of the population is under the age of 30, and they are no longer willing to accept the repressive status quo. The exposure to Western lifestyles and freedoms has ignited a desire for personal liberties—freedom of speech, the right to dissent, gender equality, and an end to theocratic control. This growing awareness represents a direct danger to MBS’s dictatorial rule.

Loosening the Chains: A Calculated Strategy to Distract

To stave off this looming threat, MBS has adopted a cunning strategy: loosening certain social and religious restrictions to keep the population pacified, while simultaneously tightening his grip on political power. By allowing superficial freedoms—women driving, cinemas opening, and public concerts—the Crown Prince seeks to create the illusion of progress. He is allowing Saudis to “enjoy life” just enough so they do not think about the lack of true political freedom.

The message is clear: as long as you don’t challenge the regime, you can enjoy certain Western-style pleasures. But behind these cosmetic changes lies a brutal reality—the absolute authority of MBS remains unchallenged, and those who dare question his rule are met with swift and violent retribution. Saudi society is being offered just enough personal freedom to distract from the lack of any political freedom.

The Abandonment of Islamic Law as a Tool of Control

One of the most glaring aspects of MBS’s reforms is his calculated move to relax the strict Islamic laws that have governed Saudi society for decades. For years, these laws were used as a tool to keep the population in check, to maintain the monarchy’s iron-fisted rule. But now, as the allure of Western freedoms grows stronger, MBS is dismantling those same laws, not out of genuine reform, but out of necessity.

By allowing more personal freedoms—whether it’s through fashion, entertainment, or social interaction—MBS is cleverly diverting the population’s focus away from political issues. He is removing the theocratic barriers that once kept people from enjoying life, but this is not to empower them. It is a desperate attempt to keep the masses placated, entertained, and distracted from the reality of his dictatorship.

MBS understands that in a rapidly modernizing world, where information is no longer confined within borders, a purely religious autocracy is unsustainable. He is willing to sacrifice the strict enforcement of Islamic law, as long as it keeps the people satisfied enough to not demand real change. The aim is to prevent the Saudi public from realizing that true freedom goes beyond driving cars and watching movies—it’s about having a voice, about the power to shape their own future, something that MBS will never allow.

The Illusion of Reform: A Tyrant’s Distraction

The real purpose behind MBS’s reforms is not modernization, but manipulation. He is offering his people a hollow version of freedom—one that allows them to enjoy superficial pleasures while he consolidates absolute power behind the scenes. The gradual loosening of religious and social restrictions is not a sign of progress; it is a survival tactic of a ruler who knows that his people, if fully awakened, could rise against him.

By allowing Saudis to experience Western culture in controlled doses, MBS is buying time. He hopes that by offering these small liberties, he can prevent a larger wave of demands for true democracy and political freedom. But make no mistake—beneath the concerts, cinemas, and social liberties, Saudi Arabia remains a police state where dissent is crushed, journalists are murdered, and any form of political opposition is ruthlessly eradicated.

Conclusion: A False Choice

Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms are a masterclass in deception. He is offering the Saudi people a false choice: enjoy the new social freedoms or challenge the regime and face the consequences. His reforms are not the result of a progressive vision, but a desperate attempt to maintain control in the face of growing awareness and desire for real freedom. The West must not be fooled by this façade—true progress will only come when Saudis can speak freely, organize politically, and hold their leaders accountable.

Until then, MBS’s so-called reforms remain what they are: a cynical ploy to distract, deceive, and suppress the very real calls for genuine freedom and democracy.