The 1950s in Libya saw the dawning of a new era, when foreign rule ended and the country became an independent kingdom. Muammar Gaddafi was just a boy then. But inspired by Egypt’s anti-imperialist president, he became a devoted pan-Arab nationalist dedicated to one cause: overthrowing Libya’s corrupt king. In time, Gaddafi himself would become one of the mo ... Show More
Nov 2022
Thanksgiving Special: Just Add Arsenic
Over the ages, arsenic has had many lives — beauty fad, household product, medical prescription… and weapon of choice wielded by killers everywhere from Alabama to ancient Rome. Brine your turkey, knead your dough, and listen to our Thanksgiving Special on the regime-changing, as ... Show More
42m 41s
Nov 2022
Famous Revolutionaries: Maximilien Robespierre Pt. 2
In 1791, France adopted a new constitution, placing power in the hands of the people. Robespierre’s job was done... or so he thought. War was coming, and with it, the growing threat of enemies both internal and external. In his quest to squash the counter-revolution, Robespierre ... Show More
46m 37s
Nov 2022
En Libye, Mouammar Kadhafi joue les trouble-fête (3&4)
Après avoir renversé la monarchie qui dirigeait la Libye depuis 1951 et condamné le roi Idris 1er à l’exil, le tout nouveau colonel Kadhafi devient l’homme fort de ce vaste ensemble sahélien. Grand admirateur de Nasser et de son panarabisme, Mouammar Kadhafi lui emprunte pour men ... Show More
49 m
May 2024
Nasserism and the Egyptian Revolution of 1952
Rudy, Andrew and Eric sit down to discuss Egypt from its origins as an independent polity under Mehmed Ali up to the Sadat years, with a focus on the Nasserist revolutionary period. We discuss the origins and aims of the 1952 coup and revolution, the relationship between communis ... Show More
1h 45m
Apr 2024
Rethinking Nasser: A New Look at One of the Arab World's Most Polarizing Figures — With Alex Rowell and Joshua Martin
For Alex Rowell, the need to reassess the legacy of former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser has only increased in the decades since the death of the hugely influential figure, and especially recently.
“If you just take a moment to look at the Arab Spring and the countries in ... Show More
36m 43s
Jun 18
Faisal I of Iraq: The Making of a King
King Faisal I of Iraq was born in the age of the Ottoman Empire. A key figure in the Arab revolt, his patience, curiosity and diplomacy endeared him to many, including the man who would come to be known as Lawrence of Arabia. But in hindsight, did Faisal drive Arab nationalism or ... Show More
36m 32s