John Bew

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.

Historian John Bew, a professor at King's College London and author of 'Citizen Clem,' sheds light on the seismic shift in British politics during the 1945 election. He discusses the unlikely alliance and later rivalry between Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee, emphasizing their contrasting leadership styles. The conversation highlights the impact of wartime experiences on the electorate's desire for change. Bew also explores how Attlee's pragmatic vision responded to the public's call for a welfare state, ushering in a new era marked by radical reforms and the creation of the National Health Service.