Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
100 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 43min
289. Medieval India’s Game of Thrones: The Cholas (Part 1)
Anirudh Kanisetti, author of Lords of Earth and Sea, delves into the captivating world of the Chola Empire, likening its power struggles to a 'Game of Thrones' saga. He unveils the legacy of a remarkable queen whose imagery influenced a famous hymn. The discussion traverses the Chola dynasty's military prowess and cultural impact, revealing their intricate governance and the role of merchant guilds. Kanisetti highlights the dynasty's architectural wonders and how ancient narratives resonate with modern themes, bringing medieval India to vibrant life.
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.
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.
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.
230 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 55min
283. Partition: East Pakistan Becomes Bangladesh (Part 6)
Join Sam Dalrymple, a South Asian history expert and author of "Shattered Lands," as he unravels the gripping story of Bangladesh's journey to independence from Pakistan in 1971. Discover the intricate web of Indo-Pakistani relations, from early cooperation to the brink of nuclear conflict. Dalrymple sheds light on Mujibur Rahman's rise amid Bengali discontent, the harrowing events of Operation Searchlight, and the ongoing ramifications of this pivotal moment in history. It's a riveting exploration of identity, nationalism, and transformation.
263 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 50min
282. Partition: The Birth of The Kashmir Conflict (Part 5)
In this enlightening discussion, Sam Dalrymple, author of *Shattered Lands*, delves into the tumultuous partition of the princely states in British India. He unpacks the critical choices made by rulers in 1947 and their lasting impact on modern borders. The conversation also explores the historical significance of Qalat and the refugee crisis in Hyderabad. Dalrymple highlights how the Kashmir conflict and Balochistan's struggles are rooted in this chaotic past, shedding light on the enduring consequences of colonial divisions.
176 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 54min
281. Partition: Why Was India Split In Two? (Part 4)
Sam Dalrymple, author of *Shattered Lands: Five Partitions And The Making of Modern Asia*, dives into the urgent circumstances surrounding the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. He discusses how British imperial decline expedited this massive upheaval, resulting in unprecedented chaos and violence. Dalrymple also emphasizes personal stories that reveal the deep emotional scars of displacement. The conversation explores contemporary efforts to reconnect survivors with their heritage and highlights the complex legacies of this historical event.
178 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 42min
280. Partition: The Creation of Pakistan (Part 3)
Joining William and Anita is Sam Dalrymple, an author specializing in the pivotal partition of India and Pakistan. He delves into Jinnah's complex journey from supporting a United India to advocating for Pakistan's independence. The discussion highlights the violent aftermath of Direct Action Day in 1946 and its consequences for communal relations. Dalrymple also explores how the partitions deeply affected identity and nationalism, particularly in the context of Bengal and eventual developments leading to Bangladesh.
