Avi Shlaim

Professor Avi Shlaim, an expert on Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, untangles historical facts from fiction. Topics include the historical narrative of Israel, Israeli involvement in bombings and false flag operations, the concept of 'cruel Zionism', nationalism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, policy guidelines of the Netanyahu government, the Balfour Declaration, the Palestinian refugee problem, and Israeli policies and settler influence.

Scholars discuss the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the historical context of Zionism, struggles for liberation, and the blurred lines between armed conflict and law enforcement in Israel. They explore the Western ruling class's support for Zionism, denial of Palestinian genocide, and the resilience of Palestinian academic life despite suppression by Israeli authorities.

In this engaging conversation, Israeli historian Avi Shlaim, author of 'The Memoirs of an Arab Jew', shares his unique perspective as an Iraqi Jew navigating the complexities of identity amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He challenges the dominant Zionist narrative, revealing the historical amnesia surrounding Arab Jews and their rich cultural heritage. Shlaim discusses the impact of colonialism, the Holocaust, and the socio-political dynamics in Israel, ultimately critiquing its transformation from a refuge to a settler-colonial state.

Avi Shlaim, Emeritus Professor of International Relations at Oxford and a historian of the Arab–Israeli conflict, dives deep into the complexities of Zionism. He discusses the 'dual exodus theory' and shares his personal experiences as an Arab Jew, shaping his views on Zionism's impact. Shlaim critiques British colonialism's role and explores whether Zionism has always aimed for territorial expansion. He provocatively asserts that Israel's actions in Gaza meet the threshold for genocide, highlighting the dire consequences for Palestinians.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Avi Shlaim, an eminent Jewish historian and author of 'Genocide in Gaza', delves into the intricate history of Zionism and its colonial roots. He examines Britain and America’s complicity in the Israeli state’s violent actions against Palestinians, sparking a reevaluation of Western policies. Shlaim highlights key historical events, critiques the Oslo Accords' failures, and emphasizes the need for alternative media to combat injustice. His deep insights challenge listeners to rethink the narrative surrounding the ongoing conflict.