About this episode

The episode explores the historical significance of oil in the 20th century and its ongoing impact on geopolitical crises, particularly in Iran.

From the geology of the Gulf to the CIA-backed coup that toppled Iran's elected prime minister, Peter and Afua trace how oil became the defining force of the 20th century — and why the West's century-long obsession with Iranian oil still shapes the crisis unfolding in 2026. Join Legacy Plus for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more. legacy.supportingcast.fm Stay connected with Legacy: Instagram: @originallegacypodcast TikTok: @legacy_productions Explore more from Peter and Afua — essays, sources, and ideas: Substack: peterfrankopan.substack.com | afuahirsch.substack.com Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more. legacy.supportingcast.fm Stay connected with Legacy: Instagram: @originallegacypodcast TikTok: @legacy_productions Explore more from Peter and Afua — essays, sources, and ideas: Substack: peterfrankopan.substack.com | afuahirsch.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Peter, Afua

Topics covered

• economic shocks
• oil industry
• Iran
• 20th century history
• geopolitics
• CIA involvement

Keywords

• economic shocks
• oil
• Iran
• CIA
• geopolitics
• 20th century
• crisis
• history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CIA

Places: Iran, Gulf

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