Behind the Bastards: Part One – How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War

Behind the Bastards, hosted by Robert Evans and Margaret Killjoy from Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, delves into the complex lives of some of history's most intriguing figures. In the premiere episode, "How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War," the hosts explore the multifaceted legacy of T.E. Lawrence, examining his contributions to military strategy, his personal life, and the controversies that surround him.

Introduction to T.E. Lawrence

The episode opens with Robert Evans drawing a parallel between the British Empire and the New York Yankees, setting the stage for a deep dive into the British imperial influence. [05:33] Evans remarks, “Before we had the New York Yankees, we had their political equivalent, the British Empire,” highlighting the pervasive impact of British power during Lawrence’s era.

Early Life and Family Background

Robert Evans provides a detailed account of Lawrence's upbringing, emphasizing his status as an illegitimate child. [27:25] He narrates the precarious circumstances of Lawrence’s birth and his father's decision to abandon his noble lineage to raise Lawrence with his mistress in Wales. This familial instability instills in Lawrence a lifelong sense of worthlessness and imposter syndrome. Margaret Killjoy probes deeper into this dynamic, asking, “Are you saying that historical people can be morally complex instead of black and white?” [07:39] Evans affirms, underscoring the show's commitment to portraying historical figures with nuance.

Education and Intellectual Pursuits

Lawrence's academic journey is marked by his obsession with medieval history and archaeology. Attending Jesus College at Oxford, he exhibits an unorthodox approach to education, often bypassing traditional learning methods in favor of hands-on exploration. [36:32] Evans describes Lawrence as “the very first generation of Western kid doing this,” referencing his extensive travels and self-directed studies in medieval architecture.

Journey to the Middle East

In his quest to understand and influence insurgent warfare, Lawrence embarks on a transformative journey to the Ottoman Empire. [53:18] The hosts discuss how Lawrence’s travels were not merely academic but also a personal attempt to find belonging and purpose. Evans cites Lawrence’s poetic description of arriving in Jeddah: “When we at last, anchored in the outer harbor off the white town, hung between the blazing sky and its reflection in the mirage which swept and rolled over the wide lagoon. Then the heat of Arabia came out like a drawn sword and struck us speechless.” [67:12] This vivid imagery captures Lawrence’s deep connection with the region and its people.

Influence on Modern Guerrilla Warfare

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Lawrence's strategic innovations and their lasting impact on modern warfare. [18:03] Evans explains, “Lawrence is the guy who created and codified our modern concept of how an insurgent struggle works.” This influence is further illustrated through the relationship between Lawrence and Vietnamese military leader Vo Nguyen Giap, who admired Lawrence’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom. [14:07] Evans quotes Schneider’s book, highlighting Giap’s declaration: “My fighting gospel is T.E. Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom. I am never without it.”

Controversies and Personal Life

The episode does not shy away from the more contentious aspects of Lawrence's life, particularly his relationships and sexuality. [78:10] The hosts tackle allegations of Lawrence being a pedophile or having inappropriate relationships with younger individuals in the Middle East. However, Robert Evans argues against these claims, presenting evidence that suggests Lawrence may have been asexual. [85:15] He asserts, “He describes himself in a letter to a friend of his who was gay... I think probably the best term that fits for him is asexual.” Margaret Killjoy adds, “Historically close friends were just historically close friends in a way that also doesn't map to any current understanding of sexuality.”

Lawrence’s Legacy

Robert Evans emphasizes Lawrence’s dual legacy as both a strategic genius and a deeply flawed individual. [80:00] He reflects, “He is incredibly popular with the local Arab diggers because he's not like the other Europeans... He digs as hard as anyone else on the team.” This portrayal challenges the simplistic hero-villain dichotomy, presenting Lawrence as a morally complex figure whose actions have had profound and lasting effects on global conflict dynamics.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on Lawrence’s enduring influence and the importance of understanding historical figures in their full complexity. Margaret Killjoy summarizes the discussion by highlighting the show's theme of exploring the "bizarre realities" of notorious individuals, setting the stage for the subsequent parts of the series.

Notable Quotes

• Margaret Killjoy [07:39]: “Are you saying that historical people can be morally complex instead of black and white?”

• Robert Evans [14:07]: “My fighting gospel is T.E. Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom. I am never without it.”

• Robert Evans [67:12]: “When we at last, anchored in the outer harbor off the white town, hung between the blazing sky and its reflection in the mirage which swept and rolled over the wide lagoon. Then the heat of Arabia came out like a drawn sword and struck us speechless.”

• Robert Evans [85:15]: “I think probably the best term that fits for him is asexual.”

Key Takeaways

1. T.E. Lawrence’s Strategic Innovations: Lawrence's theories and practices in insurgent warfare have significantly shaped modern military strategies, particularly in asymmetric conflicts.

2. Complex Personal Life: Lawrence's upbringing and personal relationships contribute to his complex character, challenging simplistic historical narratives.

3. Moral Complexity in History: The episode underscores the importance of viewing historical figures as morally intricate, avoiding the oversimplification of their legacies.

4. Enduring Influence: Lawrence’s contributions extend beyond his time, influencing global military tactics and continuing to be a subject of scholarly debate.

Behind the Bastards successfully navigates the intricate life of T.E. Lawrence, presenting a balanced view that acknowledges his contributions while critically examining his personal and moral complexities.