Quite right!: Simon Sebag Montefiore explains the making of the modern Middle East

Quite right!: Simon Sebag Montefiore explains the making of the modern Middle East

Author: The Spectator August 12, 2026 Duration: 1:01:10

This week, Michael Gove is joined by historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss the rulers, revolutionaries and nation builders who shaped one of the world’s most turbulent regions.

From Ibn Saud’s dramatic conquest of Riyadh and Atatürk’s creation of modern Turkey to Ben-Gurion, Reza Shah and Nasser, Simon explores the extraordinary personalities who built states from the ruins of empire. What made these leaders so successful – and why did so many of their projects end in dictatorship, war or collapse?

They also discuss Nasser’s rise as the champion of Arab nationalism, Gaddafi’s obsession with his Egyptian hero, and the strongmen who tried to remake the Arab world in their own image.

And looking at the Middle East today, Simon explains why the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, the failure of nationalism and the rise of political Islam still shape the region’s conflicts.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Henry Lloyd.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each day, Best of the Spectator offers a curated selection from the wider world of Spectator audio, bringing sharp conversation and thoughtful analysis directly to your headphones. This isn't a single-topic show but a daily dispatch from the front lines of ideas, where politics, culture, and society intersect. You'll hear from the magazine's writers and a host of intriguing guests as they debate current affairs, delve into the nuances of religion, explore the latest in literature, and even share opinions on food and drink. The pace is brisk and the perspectives are unapologetically considered, providing a substantive alternative to the fleeting noise of the news cycle. By compiling the most engaging discussions from their stable of podcasts, The Spectator ensures there's always a fresh, worthwhile listen. Tune in for the kind of witty, informed, and often provocative commentary that has defined the magazine for generations. This podcast serves as your daily audio digest of everything worth talking about, delivered with intellectual vigor and a dash of British flair. It’s a consistent source for those who prefer their commentary to be both timely and timeless.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Best of the Spectator
Podcast Episodes
Americano: is America ready for the new realities of war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:11
In this episode of Americano, Freddy Gray speaks to physicist and Spectator contributor Steve Hsu about the uncomfortable realities of modern warfare. Why are cheap missiles and drones so difficult and expensive to inter…
Coffee House Shots: Clacton by-election lookahead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
Nigel Farage is heading back to the polls in Clacton after resigning to trigger a by-election over questions surrounding his £5 million gift. With the main parties refusing to stand, Farage looks set for a comfortable vi…
Holy Smoke: how Project Spire will hurt England's parishes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:01
In this week’s episode of Holy Smoke, Damian Thompson is joined by Madeline Grant to dive into the contentious topic of Project Spire, the Church of England's ambitious plan to allocate £100 million in reparations for it…
Reality Check: why Labour doesn’t understand business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:52
Oliver Shah is a former journalist at The Sunday Times and now runs Newcome Advisory. On this week's Reality Check Oliver and Michael discuss why Labour can't build trust with the businesses, how the National Insurance t…