The Secrets of Statecraft John Bew Applies History to Foreign Policy-Making | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
36 snips
Nov 6, 2024 John Bew, a professor at King's College London and a former advisor to four UK prime ministers, shares insights from his extensive historical expertise. He connects past statesmen like Castlereagh to modern foreign policy challenges. Bew discusses the complexities of grand strategy and the notable foreign policy of Clement Attlee. He reflects on navigating political turbulence during crises like the Ukraine invasion, emphasizing historical context in decision-making. The impact of COVID-19 on diplomatic norms and the legacies of historical texts further shape his analysis of current international relations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unexpected Entry
- John Bew's entry into government began unexpectedly.
- A colleague invited him to join in 2019 amidst Boris Johnson's challenging transition.
Invasion Start
- Bew vividly recalls the start of the Ukraine invasion.
- He received a call from the military assistant before the Prime Minister.
External Expertise
- Bew emphasizes the government's openness to external expertise.
- This is especially important in complex, uncertain situations.