Katherine Astbury

Michael Rowe, a Reader in European History, delves into Napoleon's post-exile power play. Katherine Astbury, a Professor of French Studies, highlights the complex political sentiments fueling his brief resurgence. Zack White, an Early Career Research Fellow, sheds light on military strategies that led to Napoleon’s decisive but ultimately futile campaign. They discuss the charisma behind his comeback, the intricate dynamics of coalition warfare, and how missteps at Waterloo sealed his fate, all while pondering the enduring legacy of his ambition.

Katherine Astbury, a Professor of French Studies at the University of Warwick, brings Olympe de Gouges’s revolutionary spirit to life. They discuss de Gouges’s bold advocacy for women's rights during the French Revolution, especially her Declaration asserting women’s equality. The conversation highlights her innovative methods, challenges in a male-dominated theater, and the impact of her ideas on modern feminism. They also reflect on her tragic execution and the resurgence of interest in her legacy, solidifying her role as a pioneering voice for gender equality.