About this Episode

Explore the complex history of Zionism and its significant impact on the Middle East. Join us as we host Avi Shlaim, a British-Israeli historian renowned for his critical analysis of Israeli policies. Shlaim, author of The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World, examines how Zionist ideology, particularly the "Iron Wall" strategy formulated by Ze'ev Jabotinsky, has shaped Israeli policies and driven decades of conflict with Arab nations. This strategy advocates for building an unassailable military force to secure Israel's position of power and deter Arab opposition. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, Shlaim provides a nuanced view of Zionism's role in the region's ongoing struggles and the intricate dynamics of Israeli-Arab relations.

About Avi Shlaim

Avi Shlaim is a British-Israeli historian and professor emeritus of international relations at the University of Oxford. Born in Baghdad, he moved to Israel and later earned degrees from Cambridge University (BA) and the London School of Economics (MSc, PhD). Shlaim is renowned for his critical analysis of Israeli policies and Zionist ideology. His seminal work, The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World, explores how Zionist strategies have shaped Israeli policies and regional conflicts. Other notable books include Collusion Across the Jordan and The Politics of Partition. A leading figure among revisionist historians, Shlaim's meticulous research and engaging narrative provide a nuanced view of the Israeli-Arab conflict.

Audio Block

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