Hostile History

Episodi

• Iran: Oil, Power and Protest - Part Four: Axis and Allies 17.06.2026 32min

  In the final part of our series, we follow Iran beyond its borders and examine how the Islamic Republic built a powerful network of allies, militias, and proxy movements across the Middle East. Emerging from the trauma of the Iran–Iraq War and decades of isolation, Iran’s leadership developed a new strategy for survival: project influence without direct confrontation. Instead of relying solely on conventional military power, Tehran cultivated alliances with armed groups and political movements across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Gaza, and Yemen. Once again we're joined by historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science as we conclude our journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Iran: Oil, Power and Protest – Part Three: The Ayatollah’s Iran 03.06.2026 41min

  In Part 3 of our four-part series, we explore what happened after the revolution and how Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini transformed Iran from a monarchy into an Islamic Republic that would reshape politics across the Middle East because once the monarchy fell, the battle over Iran’s future had only just begun. Hostile History is once again joined by historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science as we continue our journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Iran: Oil, Power and Protest - Part One: In the Shadow of the Shah. 20.05.2026 44min

  In the first episode of this four part series, we travel back in time to Iran to chart how a modern monarchy which was armed, wealthy, and globally backed lost control with the help of historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Iran: Oil, Power and Protest - Part Two: The Road to Revolution 20.05.2026 34min

  In Part Two of our four-part series on modern Iran, we move from the oil boom years of the 1970s to the collapse of the Shah’s regime and the birth of the Islamic Republic. Fueled by soaring oil prices, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi appeared stronger than ever. Tehran was transforming into a modern global capital, the military was expanding at breakneck speed, and Iran had become one of America’s most important allies in the Middle East. But beneath the surface, anger was building. Historian Roham Alvandi from the London School of Economics and Political Science joins Hostile History as we travel back in time to chart what happened after the monarchy lost control and revolution set in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Coming Soon 01.05.2026 1min

  Conflict in one form or another has been part of our existence since the dawn of time. Although war has evolved over the centuries, if it feels familiar, it's because it is. Every other week, military historian David Borys is joined by the world's brightest minds to take you inside defining conflicts and rebellions to better understand what's happening today. Because history doesn't just repeat itself, it echoes. Hostile History coming soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices