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The Secrets of Statecraft

Nicolas Sarkozy's 'Certain Idea of France' | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution

Jun 17, 2024
Former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, discusses the weight of history on his leadership decisions. Topics include the legacy of Napoleon, strong leadership in French history, rise of hard-right parties in Europe, importance of defending national identity, negotiations with Putin, European responsibility for Israel's survival, and the mystery of betrayal in history.
34:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Historical consciousness is crucial in decision-making for leaders like Nicolas Sarkozy.
  • Reevaluating European structures is vital to adapt to changing geopolitical paradigms according to Sarkozy.

Deep dives

Understanding the Weight of History for Presidents

Feeling the weight of history every second, every minute, every day, President Sarkozy emphasizes the significance of historical consciousness in decision-making. Reflecting on the responsibilities tied to the presidency, he highlights that there are no small choices in governance, with the impact of decisions reverberating profoundly. From the symbolism of walking down the Champs-Élysées to leaving the Élysées Palace, Sarkozy underscores the omnipresent influence of history throughout his tenure.

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