Empire
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires, rulers, and the events that shaped world history.William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
44 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 46min
286. Suez Crisis: Hungary Revolts & Britain Bombs Egypt (Part 3)
Join historian and screenwriter Alex Von Tunzelmann as she dives into the tumultuous Suez Crisis of 1956, revealing the chaotic secret alliances between Britain, France, and Israel against Egypt. Discover the political miscalculations that led to military blunders and international embarrassment. Tunzelmann also sheds light on the simultaneous Hungarian uprising against Soviet rule, reflecting on the desire for liberal reforms amidst oppression. The conversation draws compelling parallels between historical resilience and today's global challenges.
33 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 40min
285. Suez Crisis: The Secret Meeting Between Israel, Britain & France (Part 2)
Alex Von Tunzelmann, a historian and author known for her insights into historical crises, joins the conversation to delve into the Suez Crisis of 1956. She discusses the secret collusion between France, Britain, and Israel against Egypt, revealing the complex motivations behind their actions. The podcast explores the intense rivalry between British Prime Minister Anthony Eden and Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, while also connecting the Suez Crisis to the upheaval in Hungary. The conspiracy, military strategies, and fears of global conflict are intricately examined.
60 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 42min
284. Suez Crisis: The British Imperialist vs The Arab Nationalist (Part 1)
Join historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, known for her work on geopolitical crises, as she delves into the Suez Crisis that nearly ignited World War 3 in 1956. She reveals why the Suez Canal was crucial for European oil and examines British Prime Minister Anthony Eden's animosity towards Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. Expect insights on the personal dynamics between these leaders, the rise of Arab nationalism, and the disastrous cultural missteps that heightened tensions, all of which reshaped global power dynamics.
96 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 55min
283. Partition: East Pakistan Becomes Bangladesh (Part 6)
Join Sam Dalrymple, a South Asian history expert and author of "Shattered Lands," as he unravels the gripping story of Bangladesh's journey to independence from Pakistan in 1971. Discover the intricate web of Indo-Pakistani relations, from early cooperation to the brink of nuclear conflict. Dalrymple sheds light on Mujibur Rahman's rise amid Bengali discontent, the harrowing events of Operation Searchlight, and the ongoing ramifications of this pivotal moment in history. It's a riveting exploration of identity, nationalism, and transformation.
137 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 50min
282. Partition: The Birth of The Kashmir Conflict (Part 5)
In this enlightening discussion, Sam Dalrymple, author of *Shattered Lands*, delves into the tumultuous partition of the princely states in British India. He unpacks the critical choices made by rulers in 1947 and their lasting impact on modern borders. The conversation also explores the historical significance of Qalat and the refugee crisis in Hyderabad. Dalrymple highlights how the Kashmir conflict and Balochistan's struggles are rooted in this chaotic past, shedding light on the enduring consequences of colonial divisions.
99 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 54min
281. Partition: Why Was India Split In Two? (Part 4)
Sam Dalrymple, author of *Shattered Lands: Five Partitions And The Making of Modern Asia*, dives into the urgent circumstances surrounding the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. He discusses how British imperial decline expedited this massive upheaval, resulting in unprecedented chaos and violence. Dalrymple also emphasizes personal stories that reveal the deep emotional scars of displacement. The conversation explores contemporary efforts to reconnect survivors with their heritage and highlights the complex legacies of this historical event.
98 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 42min
280. Partition: The Creation of Pakistan (Part 3)
Joining William and Anita is Sam Dalrymple, an author specializing in the pivotal partition of India and Pakistan. He delves into Jinnah's complex journey from supporting a United India to advocating for Pakistan's independence. The discussion highlights the violent aftermath of Direct Action Day in 1946 and its consequences for communal relations. Dalrymple also explores how the partitions deeply affected identity and nationalism, particularly in the context of Bengal and eventual developments leading to Bangladesh.
90 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 41min
279. Partition: How Dubai Almost Became Part of India (Part 2)
Join Sam Dalrymple, author of Shattered Lands, as he explores the fascinating intersections between the Arabian Peninsula and India. Discover how much of the Gulf was once legally part of the Indian Raj and the influence of Indian nationalists on the founding fathers of Yemen. Unearth stories of a British spy entangled in Cold War intrigue and the strategic decisions that led India to reject control of Dubai before its oil boom. Dive into the colonial echoes that shaped the region's political dynamics and the potential 'what-ifs' of a different historical trajectory.
84 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 47min
278. Partition: India’s Break With Burma (Part 1)
In this engaging discussion, historian Sam Dalrymple, author of 'Shattered Lands: Five Partitions And The Making of Modern Asia,' explores the complex legacy of British colonialism in Burma. He delves into Japan’s invasion during WWII and its effects on Burma's independence. Dalrymple highlights the controversial views of a Burmese fascist leader and connects historical events to the Rohingya genocide. The conversation sheds light on racial tensions and the impact of the Simon Commission, revealing how colonial decisions shaped national identity and ongoing strife.
16 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 42min
277. America Drills Through Hell’s Gorge (Part 5)
Matthew Parker, an author and expert on the Panama Canal, dives into the dramatic tale of American intervention in Panama's independence. He reveals how the U.S. orchestrated the revolution and signed controversial treaties without Panamanian representation. The conversation explores the significant engineering challenges, like battling yellow fever, and highlights the racial disparities in worker treatment. Parker also discusses the canal's impact on American imperialism and the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Panama relations as World War I approached.
