Iran and the West - from Crassus to crass US

About this episode

The episode discusses the complex historical relationship between Iran and the West, featuring historian James Barr.

As an ancient imperial civilisation, Iran (or, to use an earlier name, Persia) has had a complex relationship with the West from the Roman era to the present day. I spoke to historian James Barr about this long and winding road. You can find James on Bluesky and his website, with details of his books, is here: https://historythatmatters.org If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Arthur Snell

Guest: James Barr

Topics covered

• Iran
• West
• history
• politics
• imperialism
• ancient civilizations

Keywords

• Iran
• West
• history
• James Barr
• politics
• Persia
• imperialism
• ancient civilizations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bluesky, Substack, ko-fi, Bookshop.org

Places: Iran, Persia, West

More episodes of Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell

• EMERGENCY EPISODE: the resignation of John Healey · June 11, 2026 · 42 min
• Iran Special: Is a deal about to be signed? Charlie Gammell on the future for the Islamic Republic and the Region · June 9, 2026 · 42 min
• The Latest from Ukraine - is the tide turning? · June 4, 2026 · 41 min
• Hinterlands: Europe's Unfinished Frontiers, with Hannah Lucinda Smith · May 26, 2026 · 54 min
• BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL: the King's troublesome younger brother · May 25, 2026 · 59 min
• Syria: Is the new government in league with Jihadists? · May 12, 2026 · 39 min