The video discusses the scramble for oil in the early 20th century. Driven by the need for oil to power navies, Britain sought oil resources, fearing US and Dutch dominance. They found Middle Eastern oil, leveraging WWI to secure access via deals with local rulers and carving up the Ottoman Empire with France. This involved navigating Arab uprisings and pre-existing power struggles, ultimately shaping the modern Middle East's political landscape and the rise of Saudi Arabia, while also highlighting British influence in Egypt.