Empire

Discover how British tastes shifted from Indian cuisine to European influences during colonial times. Queen Victoria fostered an appetite for Indian flavors, leading to the rise of curry powder imports and the birth of Indian restaurants in Britain. Marvel at the blending of culinary traditions that produced iconic dishes, such as chicken tikka masala and coronation chicken. Explore the complex legacies of these cultural exchanges and how they transformed British dining, as well as the passionate debates around the origins of beloved Indian dishes.

Discover the spicy history of the East India Company and its influence on culinary traditions. Delve into the humorous contrasts of British and Indian food practices during colonial times. Listen to engaging anecdotes about extravagant feasts and social hierarchies, revealing disparities in food consumption. Uncover the journey of black pepper and chili and their impact on cultural identity. This lively exploration highlights the delightful intertwining of flavors that continues to shape contemporary cuisines.

Iona Craig, an award-winning investigative journalist and Yemen specialist, dives deep into the origins and rise of the Houthi movement. She recounts her harrowing experiences covering Yemen's conflict and her encounters with the Houthis. The discussion highlights the group's transformation from a Shia religious movement to de facto rulers, the geopolitical significance of their recent attacks on international shipping, and the broader humanitarian crisis following their coup in 2014. Her insights illuminate the complex interplay of local and global politics in this war-torn region.

Dive into the harrowing depths of the Iran-Iraq War, where brutal trench warfare and devastating chemical attacks unfolded over eight long years. Discover how Saddam Hussein twisted ancient Babylonian heritage to legitimize his regime. Personal stories reveal the psychological scars on Iranian society, while the resilience of Iranian forces contrasts with Iraq's oppressive politics. Explore the geopolitical chessboard that shaped this conflict, and uncover the dark legacy of warfare that still resonates today.

Kim Ghattas, an expert on Middle Eastern politics and author of "The Black Wave," delves into Hezbollah's transformation from a militia to a dominant political party in Lebanon. She discusses the origins of the group, fueled by Iranian support during the early 1980s, and its controversial tactics like suicide bombings and kidnappings. Ghattas also explores the complex social and cultural shifts within Lebanon's Shia community, the group's resilience amidst ongoing conflicts, and its significant impact on regional and global relations.

Kim Ghattas, author of "Black Wave" and a Middle East expert, delves into the complex rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia that reshaped the Islamic world post-1979. She discusses her experiences growing up in Beirut during the civil war, illustrating the personal impact of these geopolitical tensions. The conversation highlights the birth of anti-American sentiment in Iran, the power shifts from the Iranian Revolution, and the ideological clash between Shi'ism and wahhabism, particularly in the context of Pakistan.

In this engaging discussion, Ali Ansari, a Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews, shares insights on the Iranian Revolution and the Shah's downfall. He highlights the Shah's authoritarian measures and the impact of Khomeini's rise in popularity. Ansari reveals the complex socio-economic dynamics that fueled public protests and the challenges Khomeini faced in establishing power. The conversation also touches on the lasting implications of the revolution, including the formation of the Islamic Republic and its effects on both regional geopolitics and the Iranian diaspora.

In this insightful discussion, Ali Ansari, a Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews, unpacks the tumultuous era leading to the Iranian Revolution. He highlights the stark economic disparities exacerbated by the Shah's modernization efforts and rampant inflation. The rise of Ayatollah Khomeini as a voice for the discontented masses is examined, revealing how his vision clashed with the entrenched elite. Attention is also drawn to the opulent 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire, which starkly illustrated the disconnect fueling revolutionary fervor.

Ali Ansari, a Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews and a modern Iranian history expert, unveils the tumultuous history of Iran under the Pahlavi dynasty. He discusses Reza Shah's modernization efforts and the influence of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, highlighting foreign interference during World War II. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by his son, Mohammad Reza Shah, including the 1953 CIA-backed coup against Mossadegh, illustrating the complexities of nationalism and foreign power dynamics in Iran.

Ali Ansari, a Professor of Modern History at St Andrews and an expert on Iranian history, dives into Iran's turbulent past. He discusses the 1906 Constitutional Revolution's liberal aspirations and the subsequent rise of Reza Shah amidst chaos. The conversation reveals how foreign powers exploited Iran, igniting public dissent and awakening political consciousness. Ansari also highlights the Pahlavi dynasty's role in shaping modern Iran, illustrating the complex interplay between modernization, authority, and ongoing foreign influence.