The Power of Family Dynasties - With Bestselling Author Simon Sebag Montefiore

In this episode, bestselling author and historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, discusses his new book, which covers the key families who have shaped global history.
His latest work has proven to be a hit, with Henry Kissinger commenting that: ‘Sebag Montefiore interweaves the stories of the servants, courtiers and kings, pioneers, preachers and philosophers who have made history. A brilliant synthesis that will impart fresh insight to even the most learned readers.’
In this interview, he discusses some key ideas covered in the book, including some case studies of some lesser known dynasties who have had a momentous impact on the course of history, and why family influence is making a comeback in some parts of the world.
He also explains how the prism of family allowed him to better explore the role of women, migration and non-Eurocentric themes, before reflecting on some lessons learnt in his wider writing career.
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TOPICS
0:00 - Introduction
1:08 - Simon's Background
3:35 - Why He Wrote 'The World'
8:40 - Muhammad Ali & African Colonialism
12:33 - The Female Impact on History
16:51 - Persian Culture & Modern Iran
21:42 - Thoughts on Human Nature
24:41 - Migration & Families
27:47 - Writing Approach
30:06 - Reflections on Previous Books
34:30 - Closing General Questions
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[@_NAED_]

"Don't get it right, just get it written. That's the key thing. All of success in writing is in the rewriting." -SSM

[@bengray4149]

Mr Montefiore states that liberal states last longer than tyrannical and oppressive ones, but most Islamic states are tyrannical and oppressive (ie Iran both under the Shah and the Ayatollah) and have been going from strength to strength across Asia, the Middle East and beyond this past 1300 years or so. Roman citizens (adopted or native) still had slaves to flog, crucify etc, and their leaders would literally decimate their own armies for the minor infractions of individual soldiers...Roman Christians, even posh ones, didn't fair too well either. If slave-owning and mass-murdering ancient Rome was a "liberal state", I'm a pickled frog, and Nazi Germany only fell due to Hitler's failures on the battle field and hubristic expansionist policy, not because he oppressed his own people.