Abdel Razzaq Takriti shares the turbulent history of Saudi Arabia in the 1950s and 60s, marked by labor strikes, dissident currents, and conflicts with Nasser's Egypt. The podcast delves into Saudi royal conservatism, alliances with British colonial powers, and the regional impact of internal dynamics. It also explores the role of Aramco, political mobilization in Kuwait, and the nationalist coup in North Yemen. The episode sheds light on the intricate geopolitical maneuvers and the significance of Saudi Arabia in global politics.
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Quick takeaways
Saudi Arabia's reactionary trajectory challenged by labor strikes and rebellious princes.
Arab radicalism in the 20th century unfolded through Nasser's conflict with Saudi conservatism.
Oil minister Abdullah Tariki influenced Saudi politics through advocating resource independence and organizing strikes.
Kuwait's open atmosphere fostered radical discussions and attracted figures from various political currents.
Colonial coups in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi revealed British colonial power dynamics in the UAE.
Deep dives
Exploring Marx's Analysis of Capital Through The Automatic Fetish by Beverly Best
Beverly Best's book, The Automatic Fetish, offers a new perspective on Marx's analysis of capital, tracing it through Capitol Volume 3. The book has been acclaimed for reinventing Marx's work without simplifying it, emphasizing detailed analysis. Scholars like Colleen Lye consider it a key text showcasing the relevance of Marx's critique to the humanities.
Thawura Podcast Series: Revolution Across Arab Lands in the 20th Century
The Thawura podcast series examines 20th-century Arab politics, focusing on revolutions in Egypt, Syria, and Iraq. Episodes explore Nasser's leadership, the challenges faced by the Communist Party in Iraq, and the complex power struggles among nationalist factions. The series sheds light on the deep-rooted conflicts and revolutions within the Arab world.
Historical Evolution of Saudi Arabia Under King Saud and Prince Faisal
The podcast delves into the historical context of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the leadership transition from King Saud to Prince Faisal in 1964. King Saud's reign marked by attempts at modernization and economic development, along with internal challenges of reformist movements like the Free Princes advocating for political change. Prince Faisal's conservative stance led to a rightward shift in Saudi politics, emphasizing regime stability and a reaction against Arab nationalism.
Impacts of Aramco and Oil Workers' Organization on Saudi Politics
The episode discusses the pivotal role of Aramco in reshaping Saudi Arabia's economy and politics, highlighting the influence of figures like Abdullah Tariki in promoting resource independence and establishing OPEC. It explores the unequal treatment of oil workers, leading to organized strikes and worker activism that influenced broader working-class dynamics and Saudi political landscape.
Kuwait's Political Dynamism and Constitutional Adoption
Unlike Saudi Arabia, Kuwait early-on adopts a constitution due to the pressures from Arab nationalists and the openness of the emir overseeing independence from Britain. Major changes and the appointment of a new crown prince reveal significant shifts in Kuwait's constitutional and political landscape.
Kuwait's Radical Revolutionary Hub
Kuwait's open atmosphere enables radical discussions and publications, fostering a sense of radicalism fueled by the movement of Arab nationalists and a substantial Palestinian community. The diverse population, including workers from different countries, contributes to a vibrant political life in Kuwait.
Kuwait's Role in Political Movements
Kuwait serves as a significant hub for political development, giving rise to important figures in Palestinian movements, the South Yemeni revolution, and Saudi opposition leaders. Its atmosphere fostered the creation and dissemination of ideas, attracting artists, thinkers, and leaders from various political currents.
Political Dynamics in the Arabian Peninsula
The podcast delves into the political dynamics in the Arabian Peninsula, highlighting the pivotal role of figures like Faisal in Saudi Arabia's conservative shift, contrasting with the more reformist open approach pursued by Saad, and detailing colonial coups in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, shedding light on British colonial power dynamics and the emergence of the UAE.
Conclusion
The podcast episode concludes with an analysis of the political shifts in the Arabian Peninsula, detailing the influence of key figures like Faisal, Saad, and Zayed, pointing out the tensions between colonial powers and local rulers, and the implications for the region's political landscape and development.
Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the TWELFTH episode of Thawra (Revolution), our mini-series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment tells the story of Saudi Arabia, a country whose reactionary, US-aligned trajectory was throughout the 1950s and 60s challenged by labor strikes, dissident currents, rebellious princes, and an anticolonial oil minister. But Saudi royal conservatism asserted itself and a friendship with Nasser’s Egypt turned into conflict. Ultimately both countries got drawn into North Yemen’s civil war, which sapped Egypt’s military strength ahead of the 1967 war with Israel. Plus: radical politics against British colonial power in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Trucial States.
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