For more than a century, the Middle East has been made and remade by collapsing empires, colonial borders, revolutions, wars and powerful rulers. Now, Iran is weakening, Gulf states are becoming more influential and old alliances are shifting again. #middleeast #geopolitics #simonsebagmontefiore #foreignpolicy Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore joins Tom and Patrick to discuss how the modern Middle East was forged and why the forces that shaped it are still at work today. Who is gaining power, who is losing it, and are we watching the birth of a new regional order? Who do you think is reshaping the new Middle East? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Chapters: 00:00 — How the modern Middle East was made 13:15 — Colonialism, Sykes-Picot and the birth of “zombie states” 23:45 — Is the term “Middle East” now obsolete? 29:30 — Iran’s regional empire and the October 7 wars 36:45 — Six converging theatres—and reasons for hope The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East by Simon Sebag Montefiore is available in stores now Guest: Simon Sebag Montefiore, British historian and author Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn Patrick brings his experience as a former head of the British Army to the podcast. He is also a Conservative peer and advises the party on defence. Producer: Julia Webster Executive producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Dana Chan, Getty Clips: Getty Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/ Listen live to Times Radio: https://www.thetimes.com/radio/live Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=timesonlinevideo Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timesandsundaytimes/ Find us on X: https://x.com/thetimes Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetimes/