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Artwork for Babel: Translating the Middle East

Babel: Translating the Middle East

Center for Strategic and International Studies
Gaza
Middle East
Humanitarian Aid
Human Rights
Hamas
Israel
Iran
China
International Humanitarian Community
U.S. Government
Yemen
Drone Strike In Jordan
Palestinian Authority
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Iraq
Political Settlements
Arab Hip Hop
Direct Investment
Gulf States
Renewable Energy

Babel will take you beyond the headlines to discuss what’s really happening in the Middle East and North Africa. It features regional experts who explain what’s going on, provide context on pivotal developments, and highlight trends you may have missed. Jon Alterman, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, hosts the podcas... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes284Founded6 years ago
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GovernmentSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Babel: Translating the Middle East

Latest Episodes

This week on a special edition of Babel, Will Todman speaks with Jon Alterman, the creator of Babel and the show’s host since it began in 2019. They discuss Jon’s reflections on 22 years directing the CSIS Middle East Program, his analysis of how the... more

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This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Dr. Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director for research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. Mohanad's latest paper for Carnegie investigates the rise of a new form of drug smuggling in Lebanon. Togeth... more

YouTube

On Tuesday, May 6, President Trump declared that the United States would immediately halt its bombing of Houthi targets, bringing an end to months of intensified U.S. strikes across Yemen. The president linked the policy reversal to what he described... more

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This week on Babel, Jon Alterman speaks with Dina Esfandiary, the Middle East Geoeconomics Lead at Bloomberg. Previously, Dr. Esfandiary served as a senior adviser for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group and was a fello... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

Mohanad Hage Ali
Deputy Director for Research at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut
Carnegie Middle East Center
Episode: Mohanad Hage Ali: Hezbollah and the Captagon Trade
Dina Esfandiary
Middle East Geoeconomics Lead at Bloomberg, previously a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group
Bloomberg
Episode: Dina Esfandiary: Will Iran Make a Deal with Trump?
Craig Larkin
Director of the Center for the Study of Divided Societies at King's College London
King's College London
Episode: Craig Larkin: The Politics of Memory, From Mosul to Beirut to Gaza
Sinem Adar
Researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs
German Institute for International and Security Affairs
Episode: Sinem Adar: Turkey's Syria Challenge
Arwa Damon
Former CNN international correspondent and founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance (Inara)
Episode: Arwa Damon: Gaza's Wounds
Mohammad Ali Shabani
Editor of Amwaj.media
Episode: Mohammad Ali Shabani: Iran After October 7
Dr. Lina Khatib
An associate fellow in the Middle East Program at Chatham House.
Chatham House
Episode: Lina Khatib: War Spreads to Lebanon
Hussein Ibish
Senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, columnist for The National, and a regular contributor to The Atlantic
Arab Gulf States Institute
Episode: Hussein Ibish: Popular Mobilization Since October 7
Dr. Isabelle Werenfels
Senior Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin
German Institute for International and Security Affairs
Episode: Isabelle Werenfels: North Africa's Relationship with Europe

Host

Jon Alterman
Host of Babel and Director of the CSIS Middle East Program, Jon Alterman is recognized for his expertise in Middle Eastern policy and regional dynamics.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 186 ratings
  • Always informative and interesting perspectives

    Always informative and interesting perspectives. Thanks all involved in this project.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jamie_HH
    Germany2 years ago
  • great format, even better content

    I've been listening to Babel for a few months and I have so enjoyed each and every episode I've heard so far. The episodes present topics in unique style. The effectiveness lies in the great analysis. The variety of topics and guest speakers have kept me coming back for more each week. I find it way more digestible than long for article or hour event recording. Keep up the great work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Dog's Tux
    United States3 years ago
  • Great as always

    Podcast Addict
    5
    DaniDani
    3 years ago
  • Great as always

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Dani
    3 years ago
  • Fantastic work!

    One of the best podcasts on the Middle East and North Africa! I listen to it regularly - please keep up the great work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SchmidSophie
    Germany3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There are occasional critiques regarding the treatment of specific political issues, such as the Palestinian situation.
Many reviews highlight the thoroughness and quality of content, noting its excellent production values and insightful discussions.
The podcast is praised for its engaging format and expert guests, making intricate topics accessible to a broader audience.
Listeners appreciate the informative perspectives and analysis provided, particularly regarding complex regional issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#194
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#69
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#79
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#60
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#99
France/Government
Apple Podcasts
#192
Germany/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Babel Special: Jon Alterman's Next Chapter
Q: What advice would you have for those considering entering a career in Middle East policy?
Engage with reality, seek out genuine encounters with the region, and cultivate the ability to express yourself clearly.
Mohanad Hage Ali: Hezbollah and the Captagon Trade
Q: What lessons do you think the Lebanese government should be taking from the Iraq experience?
Lebanon should avoid integrating militias like Hezbollah into state structures, emphasizing the need for a centralized authority over military power.
Mohanad Hage Ali: Hezbollah and the Captagon Trade
Q: How has the state been able to reassert its sovereignty over its borders?
It's a priority for the Lebanese state to establish control over border regions and stop drug and money laundering operations, especially after Hezbollah's recent weakening.
Mohanad Hage Ali: Hezbollah and the Captagon Trade
Q: How much Captagon is smuggled through Lebanon as far as you can tell?
It's estimated that about one-third of the output is smuggled through Lebanon, with the other two-thirds going through Turkey and Jordan.
Analysis: Trump’s Novel Middle East Diplomacy
Q: How have US allies and partners in the Middle East responded to President Trump's negotiating style?
Alterman mentions that countries in the Middle East are mostly transactional and have concerns over hasty concessions, particularly regarding Iran, while still recognizing the preference for a transactional president like Trump.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Babel: Translating the Middle East

What is Babel: Translating the Middle East about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content focuses on the intricate political, social, and economic dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa, often featuring regional experts who share nuanced insights and analyses. Noteworthy topics include U.S. foreign policy, internal conflicts within countries like Lebanon and Syria, and the geopolitical implications of actors such as Iran and Hezbollah. Unique segments, like shorter episodes dubbed 'A Mezze,' provide brief tastes of regional issues, making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience. The overall approach is characterized by a blend of thoughtful storytelling and expert interviews, likely appealing to both professionals and casual listeners interested in contemporary Middle East affairs.

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Which podcasts are similar to Babel: Translating the Middle East?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Babel: Translating the Middle East:

1. Middle East Focus
2. Pekingology
3. Global Security Briefing
4. Russian Roulette
5. The Asia Chessboard

How many episodes of Babel: Translating the Middle East are there?

Babel: Translating the Middle East launched 6 years ago and published 284 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Babel: Translating the Middle East?

Recent guests on Babel: Translating the Middle East include:

1. Mohanad Hage Ali
2. Dina Esfandiary
3. Craig Larkin
4. Sinem Adar
5. Arwa Damon
6. Mohammad Ali Shabani
7. Dr. Lina Khatib
8. Hussein Ibish

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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