Season 4, Episode 5: Eugene Rogan, The Arabs: A History
Feb 4, 2025
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Eugene Rogan, a Modern Middle Eastern History professor at Oxford and author of 'The Arabs: A History,' joins the discussion on the intricate history of the Arab world. They explore the lasting impacts of Ottoman rule and European colonialism, including the Balfour Declaration and its relevance to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With insights on the evolution of Arab identity and external influences, Rogan provides a masterclass in understanding current geopolitical crises, emphasizing the need for historical context to tackle today’s challenges.
The historical narrative of the Arab world reveals a longstanding struggle against foreign domination, which continues to influence contemporary conflicts and national identities.
Current geopolitical instability in the Middle East is shaped by the assertive roles of regional powers like Turkey and Iran, amidst diminishing U.S. influence.
Deep dives
Historical Context of Middle Eastern Conflicts
Understanding the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East requires a historical lens, particularly regarding the longstanding struggle between Palestinian and Zionist nationalisms. This rivalry has its roots in pivotal events such as the wars of 1948 and 1967, which were significant in shaping the current geopolitical climate. The failure of various peace processes, coupled with recent normalization efforts like the Abraham Accords, highlights the complex dynamics of the region, complicating efforts for resolution. Current tensions and conflicts can be traced back to the unresolved issues beginning with the British mandate and the Balfour Declaration, emphasizing that many contemporary challenges are deeply rooted in a century's worth of historical grievances.
Influence of Regional and Great Powers
The Middle East is characterized as a battleground for both regional and global powers, with nations like Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia significantly influencing local affairs. Unlike in the past, where great powers dominated the landscape, today’s instability arises from the actions and ambitions of these middleweight nations, which have become more engaged and assertive in their regional roles. The decline of U.S. influence, particularly since the Obama administration, has created a vacuum that these local players are keen to fill, often complicating the geopolitical landscape further. This complex interplay highlights the region's nature as a crossroads of interests, making it a focal point for ongoing conflict and strife.
The Legacy of Colonialism and Foreign Domination
The Arab world's narrative over the past 500 years is largely defined by foreign domination, starting with the Ottoman conquest in 1517. This dominance fundamentally altered the region's governance and identity, as local authorities had to navigate the complexities of being ruled from a distant capital, Istanbul. The subsequent European colonization in the 19th and early 20th centuries further entrenched this foreign control, leading to significant sociopolitical shifts within Arab societies. The impact of such historical domination resonates today, influencing national consciousness and the ongoing struggle for self-determination among Arab nations.
The Road to Potential Solutions and the Role of International Community
For a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a two-state solution remains a critical yet elusive goal that garners varied levels of support across the international community. Recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several European countries signals a growing momentum that could influence future diplomatic efforts. However, the potential for coexistence hinges upon cooperation from crucial regional players alongside the global powers, particularly in light of the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis following recent escalations. Historical interactions and the current demographic realities necessitate that efforts to facilitate peace must acknowledge both historical grievances and contemporary aspirations to move forward effectively.
Join Professor Jeffrey Sachs and historian Eugene Rogan, professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, as they delve into the complex history of the Arab world, from the Ottoman conquest in 1516 to today’s geopolitical crises of the modern Middle East. Through the lens of his acclaimed book The Arabs: A History, Rogan brilliantly examines the long history of foreign domination, the rise of Arab nationalism, the roles of Europe and the US as outside powers, and the unresolved conflicts shaping the Middle East until today.
Together, they offer us a masterclass in history that sheds light on the urgent questions of war, power, and the possibility of peace in the region. From Ottoman rule to European colonialism, the impact of the Balfour Declaration, and the ongoing Israeli Palestinian conflict, the conversation provides crucial historical context for today’s challenges.
The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.
