Janet Hartley, Emeritus Professor at the London School of Economics and a noted expert on Russian history, dives into the life of Catherine the Great. She discusses how Catherine seized power in a daring coup, her pursuit of Enlightenment ideals, and her legacy as a 'philosopher empress.' The conversation touches on her relationships with contemporary thinkers and the challenges she faced, including rebellion and territorial expansion, highlighting her complex image as both an innovator and a controversial ruler.

Join experts Janet Hartley, Michael Rowe, and Michael Rapport as they dissect the chaos of Napoleon's 1812 campaign in Russia. Hartley unveils the complexities of Napoleon's motivations and miscalculations, while Rowe emphasizes the brutal winter conditions and significant casualties during the fateful retreat. Rapport explores the impact of conscription on military manpower and the shifting perception of Napoleon in Europe. Together, they reveal how this catastrophic retreat reshaped alliances and transformed the narrative surrounding one of history's most controversial leaders.