Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs Season 4, Episode 5: Eugene Rogan, The Arabs: A History
Feb 4, 2025
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.
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Episode notes
Unresolved Palestinian-Zionist Conflict
- The unresolved Palestinian-Zionist conflict since the British mandate fuels ongoing Middle East crises.
- Wars in 1948 and 1967 exemplify this unresolved tension shaping current geopolitics.
Rise of Regional Middle Powers
- Regional middle powers like Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia shape the 21st-century Middle East notably.
- They often have more direct influence than larger superpowers, which tend to reduce their military footprint.
Five Centuries of Foreign Domination
- Since 1517, Arab peoples have been ruled by foreign powers, first Ottoman then European colonialists.
- This 500-year pattern profoundly affects Arab identity and governance challenges today.
