Explore birth of Arab nationalism, anti-colonialism, Ba'athism, and Islamic resistance in 20th century Middle East. Discuss early revolts, key thinkers in Arab nationalism, British imperial strategies, impact of White Paper on Palestine, rise of nationalist organizations, Islamist politics, religious resistance, and ideologies of Arab nationalism.
Emergence of Arab nationalism amidst anti-colonial revolts in Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.
Shift from Ottoman ethnicity to Arab nationalism through intellectuals like Constantine Zürich.
Baath Party's socialism intertwined with Arab nationalism for collective empowerment.
Deep dives
Myth of Israeli Universities as Liberal Bastions Exposed
Israeli universities are shown to be complicit in the violation of Palestinian rights, despite a reputation as bastions of freedom and democracy. In the podcast, Towers of Ivory and Steel by Mya Wind uncovers how these academic institutions directly support Israeli occupation and apartheid, restricting Palestinian rights to education and stifling critical scholarship.
Arab Nationalism and Revolts Against Colonial Rule
The podcast delves into the rise of anti-colonial politics in the Arab Middle East during the mandate period under British and French rule. Revolts in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Palestine were accompanied by the emergence of Arab nationalist ideologies, shaping the formation of political parties like the Baath Party, which countered communist influences in the region.
Development of Secular Nationalism in the Ottoman Empire
The discussion centers on the evolution of secular nationalism in the Ottoman Empire, particularly under intellectuals like Constantine Zürich and Satiel Hüstry. These thinkers navigated the transition post-Great War, aligning with Arab nationalism against the practices of Turkish nationalism. The discourse highlights the complex ethnic and religious dynamics within the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent emergence of new political movements.
Impact of Anti-Colonial Revolts on Nationalist Movements
The podcast examines how anti-colonial revolts in different Arab territories united urban and rural populations, leading to the emergence of nationalist movements. These revolts, such as the Syrian and Iraqi uprisings, triggered substantial societal mobilization and resistance against imperial forces, shaping the political landscape and setting the stage for future ideologies and state formations.
Background and Influences of Qasim's Movement
Qasim's anti-colonial stance emerged in response to intensified missionary activity facilitated by European colonialism under Christian rule. He effectively mobilized the working class and peasantry, rejecting collaboration with notables, preferring to empower those closer to the land and willing to sacrifice. His liberation theology approach, emphasizing direct confrontation with colonial authorities, contrasted sharply with existing Palestinian leadership focused on negotiation with British authorities and resistance against Zionists.
Origins and Evolution of Baath Party Ideology
The Baath Party's foundational ideology grew from the collaboration of Michel Aflak and Salah ad-Din al-Bitar, who critiqued communist party policies for prioritizing European concerns over colonial resistance. Baathism sought a socialism rooted in Arab nationalism, viewing socialism as a tool for Arab empowerment and collective growth. The party's articulation of socialism subordinated it to national formation, emphasizing socialism's role in engendering solidarity among Arabs and supporting rapid societal progress.
Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the second episode of Thawra (Revolution), our rolling mini-series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment lays out early 20th-century anti-colonialism: from the Iraqi, Syrian, and Palestinian Great Revolts, to the birth of Arab nationalism, Islamic resistance, Ba'athism, and communism.
Support The Dig at Patreon.com/TheDig
Check out our newsletter and vast archives at thedigradio.com
Subscribe to a year of Jewish Currents at 50% off with special code DIG2024 secure.jewishcurrents.org/forms/subscribe
Buy Towers of Ivory and Steel: How Israeli Universities Deny Palestinian Freedom at versobooks.com
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
