Scott Anderson

Ramita Navai, Iran-born journalist and documentary-maker who reports on contemporary society and protests. Scott Anderson, author and historian who studied the 1979 revolution. They compare 1979 and 2026 protests. They discuss the Shah’s US visit and its fallout. They explore how reform demands shifted to calls for regime change, the scale of repression, and economic drivers of unrest.

Scott Anderson, a veteran war correspondent and author of 'King of Kings', dives into the transformative impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He discusses how the U.S. failed to predict shifts in Iran’s political climate, highlighting critical missteps by American policymakers. The conversation reveals the tensions between the Shah and rising anti-regime sentiments, alongside the internal chaos within the Iranian military. Anderson emphasizes the lasting effects of the revolution on U.S.-Iran relations and the geopolitical landscape.

Ramita Navai, Tehran-born documentary-maker and journalist, offers first-hand reporting on modern Iranian society. Scott Anderson, author and historian, traces the 1979 revolution and its echoes in 2026. They compare market-driven protests then and now. They examine the Shah's isolation, US intelligence failures, women's roles across eras, the IRGC's entrenchment, and regional stakes and outcomes.

Scott Anderson is a veteran foreign reporter and war correspondent, and a contributing writer for The New York Times. Over his career he has reported from Bosnia, Libya, Palestine and across the Middle East. In this episode, he spoke to host Hannah Lucinda Smith about his new book, King of Kings, a gripping account of the fall of the Shah of Iran, the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the rise of the Islamic Republic. Together, they explore the flaws that led to the Shah’s downfall, and why Western powers fundamentally misunderstood what was happening in the country in the months before the revolution. They also examine how these events shaped Iran and the Middle East today, and the political future of a country whose power has been diminished in the region, but whose population is again rallying around the flag in response to external aggression. --- If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Anderson, veteran war correspondent and author of King of Kings, walks through the U.S.-Iran history and contemporary crises. He discusses recent strikes, unpredictability of decision-making, risks of civilian harm, how Iran might retaliate economically and regionally, and the historical roots of the 1979 revolution. Short, sharp takes on what could come next.

Scott Anderson, a veteran war correspondent and author of "King of Kings," discusses Iran's political landscape with Yascha Mounk. They delve into the current protests, examining how economic collapse could precipitate regime change. Anderson highlights the critical role of the Revolutionary Guard, warning of a possible military takeover. He draws parallels to Egypt and contemplates whether Iran might evolve into a democratic society, especially regarding women's rights. Their conversation uncovers a complex interplay of demographics, grievances, and historic echoes.

Scott Anderson, a journalist and author known for his insights on foreign affairs, delves into the Iranian Revolution's legacy. He discusses the Shah's fall and how the rise of religious fundamentalism reshaped U.S.-Iran relations. Anderson critiques President Carter's misjudgments during the Cold War and examines the influence of past interventions on today's geopolitical landscape. The conversation also explores the complex interplay of national identity, conspiracy theories, and modern Iranian politics, revealing the lasting impact of history on current events.

Scott Anderson, a veteran foreign reporter and contributing writer for The New York Times, delves into the dramatic events surrounding the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the Shah’s downfall in his new book, King of Kings. He shares fascinating insights on the small inner circle that shaped the Shah’s fate and the warnings ignored by important figures like Farah Pahlavi. Discussing U.S. misinterpretations and the revolution’s far-reaching global consequences, Anderson reflects on the enduring complexity of Iran and its evolving identity in the current geopolitical landscape.

Scott Anderson, an author and veteran war correspondent, discusses his insights on the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He explores how a diverse coalition came together against the Shah, only to be overtaken by Khomeini’s theocracy. Anderson highlights the U.S. miscalculations during the Cold War and the lasting impact of the revolution on global religious nationalism. He reflects on how modernization fueled revolutionary expectations and the complexities of Iranian identity today, emphasizing the irony of repression following liberation.

Scott Anderson, a journalist and author known for his insights on CIA operations and the Cold War, shares his expertise in a thought-provoking conversation. He discusses the evolution of U.S. intelligence from WWII to the Cold War, highlighting its moral complexities. The talk delves into the dual roles of spies like Kim Philby and the cultural influences of espionage. Anderson also critiques U.S. inaction during the Hungarian Uprising and examines the CIA's relationship with presidential power, revealing the intricate dance between intelligence and politics.