AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Empire
38. Sykes-Picot: Carving up the Middle-East
Mar 14, 2023
Join historian James Barr, author of "A Line in the Sand," as he delves into the contentious Sykes-Picot Agreement that shaped the modern Middle East. He explores how greed and arbitrary borders set the stage for ongoing conflicts. Discover the motivations behind this imperial deal, the clash between British and French ambitions, and how past decisions continue to echo through present-day geopolitics. Barr's insights reveal the complex cultural and historical influences that still affect the region today.
01:02:13
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret deal between British and French diplomats in 1916, dividing the Middle East into spheres of influence and creating borders that still impact the region today.
- The agreement symbolized imperial interference and betrayal, disregarding self-determination and national aspirations, leading to conflicts and tensions as it ignored religious, ethnic, and tribal complexities.
Deep dives
The Sykes-Pico Agreement and the Stakes Involved
The Sykes-Pico Agreement was a secret deal made between British diplomat Mark Sykes and French diplomat Francois Georges-Pico in 1916. The agreement aimed to divide the Middle East into spheres of influence between the British and the French in the event of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The main areas of contention were Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. The agreement created borders that still exist in the region today. The Russians were also involved in negotiations, with the British needing their approval for the agreement. However, the agreement was leaked after the Russian Revolution, causing controversy and outrage. The legacy of the Sykes-Pico Agreement continues to be felt in the Middle East, with many viewing it as a symbol of imperial interference and the division of Arab lands.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode