

Alex Von Tunzelmann
Author of Blood and Sand: Suez, Hungary, & The Crisis That Shook The World. She specializes in geopolitics and the frailties of human personality in relation to political events.
Top 10 podcasts with Alex Von Tunzelmann
Ranked by the Snipd community

209 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.

187 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.

149 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.

85 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 43min
288. Suez Crisis: The End of The British Empire (Part 5)
Alex Von Tunzelmann, a renowned historian and screenwriter, explores the Suez Crisis and its monumental effects on the British Empire. He delves into how the crisis marked a turning point in Anglo-American relations. Listeners will discover the chaotic dynamics of the conflict, including the miscommunications and misjudgments that led to civilian suffering. Tunzelmann also highlights the impact of political turmoil on leadership decisions and the lasting legacy of this event on global power dynamics and perceptions of imperialism.

75 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
287. Suez Crisis: Lies, Cyanide Pills, & Soviet Tanks (Part 4)
In this riveting discussion, historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, author of *Blood and Sand: Suez, Hungary, & The Crisis That Shook The World*, dives deep into the Suez Crisis. Learn about the dramatic moment when Nasser ordered cyanide pills for his generals. Discover the unexpected tactics Egyptians employed, including using beer bottles to effectively block the canal. The conversation also covers the intricate interplay of Cold War politics, the unrest in Hungary, and how American leaders navigated these tumultuous waters.

17 snips
Apr 6, 2026 • 36min
Is a ceasefire in Iran coming? Plus: the looming global jet fuel crisis
Ash Bardwaj, travel writer and aviation reporter, and Alex von Tunzelman, historian and geopolitical analyst, discuss Iran’s stalled ceasefire talks and shifting regional alliances. They unpack strategic risks around the Strait of Hormuz and changing ties between Syria and Ukraine. They also explore a looming global jet fuel squeeze and how it could reshape travel and rail alternatives.

14 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 59min
Der Suezkanal
Sal Mercogliano, ehemaliger Handelsschiffer und Geschichtsprofessor, sowie Alex Von Tunzelmann, Historikerin und Autorin, beleuchten die packende Geschichte des Suezkanals. Sie diskutieren die geopolitische Bedeutung des Kanals, seine Beziehung zu Konflikten und internationalem Handel. Spannend sind die Geschichten über die 'Gelbe Flotte', die Isolation der Schiffe während der Blockade, und die weitreichenden Folgen der Ever Given-Katastrophe. Diese Einblicke zeigen, wie ein 19. Jahrhundert-Bauwerk bis heute das Weltgeschehen beeinflusst.

12 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 40min
An increasingly isolated Trump weighs next steps in the war in Iran
Philippe Mallier, UCL professor of French and European politics, and Alex von Tunzelman, historian and author. They discuss European leaders' refusal to join action in Iran. They weigh US–Israeli aims versus European fears of escalation. They examine how Iran–Israel tensions distract from Ukraine and probe the repolarisation of French local politics.

Nov 7, 2025 • 33min
NEW Weekly Wrap-Up – From New York to Westminster with Alex von Tunzelmann
In this installment, historian and broadcaster Alex von Tunzelmann dives deep into the thrilling political landscape, analyzing Zohran Mamdani's surprising win in New York and the implications for the Democratic Party. They explore 'vibe coding' as a cultural phenomenon and commend the heroism of train conductor Samir Zitouni. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Dick Cheney's legacy and Trump’s latest antics in the White House, adding a humorous yet critical lens to current events.

Apr 18, 2021 • 46min
The Suez Crisis: everything you wanted to know
Join historian Alex von Tunzelmann, author of Blood and Sand, as he unpacks the dramatic 1956 Suez Crisis. Delve into why Britain and France took a colossal gamble against Egypt, and how personal animosities influenced their decisions. Discover the pivotal role of American intervention that forced Britain's withdrawal and the consequential rise of Nasser in the Arab world. Lastly, explore how this crisis marked the end of Britain's superpower status and reshaped the Cold War's dynamics.


