Warfare

The current uprisings in Iran have connections that date back to the 1979 Iranian revolution, which saw the country go from a monarchy, to an Islamic Republic. It became one of the most defining moments of the 20th century.

Ayatollah Khomeini was now the Supreme Leader of the Republic of Iran, and a conservative rule of the country was now enforced. Freedoms that had been enjoyed previously in Iran like drinking alcohol and listening to western music were now banned, and women were now required by law to wear a veil.

Tensions between Iran and the West have continued fluctuate, with most recent events concerning Iran's support of Russia in the war against Ukraine by supplying arms. This comes at the same time as the Iranian government continues to suppress it's own people amid on-going anti-Government protests.

Today, James Rogers is joined by activist and author Nasrin Parvaz, who at the age of 23 in 1982 was arrested by the regime’s secret police for resisting the Ayatollah's regime. She was sentenced to death and tortured before her sentence was later commuted to 10 years imprisonment. She was released after 8. She discusses her experiences during this key turning point in modern history.

Warning: This episode contains content that some listeners may find distressing.

This episode was edited by Aidan Lonergan.

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In July 1945 when Korea was divided by the 38th parallel into North and South, families were suddenly torn apart by a border that would change the course of history. Post World War Two, Korea was of massive strategic importance, a stepping stone to the rest of Asia. After centuries of monarchy and 35 years of brutal colonial rule - many Koreans were unsure which side would provide them with a future that promised them independence.

The fourth episode in our series on the Korean War, James is joined by former Pyongyang AP bureau chief and co-host of The Lazarus Heist podcast, Jean Lee, to talk about her family's experiences in South Korea during this period. Devastating famines, brutal fighting, and families split up with no way of contact - it was a harrowing experience for the Korean people. With nearly 5 million casualties, many of them civilians, why is the Korean War known as the "Forgotten War"? And what impacts can still be felt today?

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December 2nd is a special date for those fascinated by Napoleon Bonaparte. Not only is this the date he crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804, but also the date of his greatest victory a year later, the Battle of Austerlitz. James Rogers is joined by world-leading historian Andrew Roberts to dissect the conditions, tactics and aftermath of Napoleon's greatest battle.

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First published February 2022