Why does every empire want Iran – and how has Iran outlasted attempts to control it? Long before the CIA-backed coup, there were wars with Russia and British control over oil and tobacco. Iran learned from its history of invasions, wars, and revolution – why do great powers keep making the same mistake? Political historian Dr. Mehran Kamrava reveals how great-power rivalry forged modern Iran.

In this episode: 

• Mehran Kamrava (@mehrankamrava), Political Historian, Georgetown University Qatar

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Mohamed Hassan, Marcos Bartolomé, and Sonia Bhagat. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Jo de Frias is Al Jazeera’s head of podcasts.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A European settler state in the heart of Palestine, ruled by religious zealots, fueled by Western arms. A divided Muslim world fights back. Sound familiar? We’re in 1099, when the First Crusade conquered Jerusalem and subjugated its native population. Just 88 years later, it was lost to Saladin’s newly united Muslim army. Why did the Crusaders fail to build an everlasting kingdom, and will Zionism meet the same fate?

In this episode: 

• Roy Casagranda (@DrRoyCasagranda), Political Philosopher 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Mohamed Hassan and Marcos Bartolomé, with Sonia Bhagat. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Jo de Frias is Al Jazeera's head of podcasts.

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Explore how past moments have shaped the crises we face today.

Join host Mohamed Hassan for in-depth conversations with historians and public thinkers who reveal the patterns behind the headlines. 

Listen now for a preview; first full episode drops July 2026. Subscribe for updates.