History Extra podcast International security & rough sleeping: history behind the headlines
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Jun 23, 2025 Hannah Skoda, a fellow and tutor in medieval history at St. John's College, Oxford, joins to unravel the past's impact on modern issues. They delve into the evolution of international security, tackling the balance between morality and the necessity of war in the Middle Ages. The discussion highlights the historical foundations of social issues like rough sleeping and the Vagrancy Act of 1824, revealing how economic factors intertwine with security and societal attitudes toward poverty. Expect intriguing connections between history and today's headlines!
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Evolution of Collective Security
- Collective security is a modern idea where states pool sovereignty to maintain peace despite rivalries.
- Historical examples include the 19th-century European Concert and the 20th-century League of Nations, leading to today's United Nations.
Medieval Views on Security
- Medieval thinkers like Dante debated security through universal monarchy to reduce conflict.
- The period also saw concerns about violence and controlling mercenaries, showing early struggles with security balance.
History of Vagrancy Laws
- Vagrancy Acts originated in the 14th century post-Black Death to control mobile workers and preserve social order.
- These laws harshly punished the 'undeserving' poor, reflecting societal tensions over mobility and poverty control.
