

Niall Ferguson
Historian and author, known for his expertise in past crises and his analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top 10 podcasts with Niall Ferguson
Ranked by the Snipd community

225 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 1h 57min
#634: Niall Ferguson, Historian — The Coming Cold War II, Visible and Invisible Geopolitics, Why Even Atheists Should Study Religion, Masters of Paradox, Fatherhood, Fear, and More
Niall Ferguson, historian and author of acclaimed works like 'The Pity of War' and 'The Square and the Tower', delves into the looming threat of a new Cold War, examining the geopolitical dynamics between the U.S., China, and Russia. He shares personal anecdotes about academia, fatherhood, and the impact of belief systems. Ferguson also discusses the significance of historical contingency, using Zelensky's leadership as a poignant example, while emphasizing the importance of accessible history for all. His reflections on parenting provide a heartfelt look at balancing career and family.

160 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 40min
Should leaders be feared or loved? with historian Niall Ferguson
Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, engages in a lively debate with Adam Grant on the dynamics of leadership. They explore whether leaders should be feared or loved, delving into historical contexts and effective strategies. The conversation touches on the impact of violence, moral dilemmas in policymaking, and counterfactual history. Humor and anecdotes about personal insights and leadership styles, including a funny tale about wine, add richness to their discussion on the future of democratic freedoms.

140 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Conflict: Niall Ferguson on Ukraine, Taiwan, and His War of Words with V. P. Vance
Niall Ferguson, a leading historian and Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into pressing global conflicts. He examines the stalemate in Ukraine and highlights how the Trump administration reshaped U.S. foreign policy. Ferguson draws parallels between the U.S. today and 1930s Britain, confronting the empire’s decline and China’s rising influence. The discussion further explores Europe’s defense responsibilities and the strategic implications of tensions surrounding Taiwan, emphasizing the necessity for historical insights in tackling contemporary challenges.

140 snips
Sep 2, 2023 • 1h 1min
#675 - Niall Ferguson - The Shocking Lessons Of History Everyone Has Forgotten
Niall Ferguson, a historian and senior fellow at Stanford University, shares his insights on the complexities of history and its implications for today. He debates the notion that history can predict the future, emphasizing its chaotic nature. Ferguson warns about the spread of misinformation and the oversimplification of historical narratives. He also reflects on America's political landscape, exploring tensions leading up to the 2024 elections. Finally, he urges a deeper appreciation of historical lessons to navigate modern challenges.

134 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
404. A Podcast About the End of the World | Dr. Niall Ferguson
Historian Niall Ferguson, known for his insights on British and American history, joins to discuss the allure of apocalyptic narratives. He critiques how these stories can empower elites while neglecting local issues. They explore the dysfunction of modern governance, driven by a worship of science and bureaucracy. Ferguson warns against the hubris in human ambition, exemplified by historical tales like the Tower of Babel. The conversation emphasizes the importance of humility amid moral complexity, particularly reflecting on the leadership burden in times of crisis.

106 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
#402 - The Geopolitics of Trump 2.0
Niall Ferguson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of influential works like "The Pity of War", joins the conversation to dissect the current geopolitical landscape. They discuss Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict and Europe's evolving defense strategy, highlighting concerns over U.S. foreign policy and national debt. Ferguson also critiques the erosion of governance competence, the complexities of free speech and far-right politics, and how Trump's tactics in the Middle East contrast with current policies.

91 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
#402 - The Geopolitics of Trump 2.0
Niall Ferguson, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 16 influential books, joins the discussion about the current geopolitical landscape. They dive into Trump's handling of Ukraine and the shifting dynamics between Europe and the U.S. Ferguson critiques American foreign policy under both Trump and Biden, highlighting the dilemmas of rising powers like China. The conversation touches on free speech issues in the UK, economic concerns tied to national debt, and the contrasting strategies for the Middle East, all against a backdrop of political uncertainty.

71 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 40min
Should leaders be feared or loved? with historian Niall Ferguson
Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and counterfactual expert at Stanford's Hoover Institution, joins in a spirited debate on leadership dynamics. They discuss whether fear or love is more effective in leaders. Historical examples illustrate how both motivations shape leadership in various fields, including sports and business. The conversation touches on the role of violence in history and its moral dilemmas. Ferguson’s provocative predictions about global power dynamics and the balance of humor and authority in leadership round out their insightful discussion.

52 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 12min
“Tucker Has Become an Enabler of Fascists” - Sir Niall Ferguson
Niall Ferguson, a renowned Scottish-American historian and fellow at Harvard and Hoover Institution, critiques modern media's role in shaping perceptions of figures like Tucker Carlson. He delves into the complexities of historical narratives, particularly regarding Winston Churchill, and raises concerns about the erosion of trust in authority. Ferguson discusses pressing issues like declining fertility rates, immigration, and the impacts of controversial figures on societal values, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining democratic principles in the face of cultural shifts.

49 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 1min
Are We Living in ‘Late Soviet America’? Niall Ferguson and Jonah Goldberg Debate.
In this lively discussion, historian Niall Ferguson and Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, dive into the provocative comparison between modern America and the late Soviet Union. Ferguson argues that societal decay and elite disconnect mirror the past, while Goldberg counters that America’s challenges arise from an excess of freedom and not totalitarianism. Their debate touches on public health crises, political transparency, and the erosion of values, making for a thought-provoking examination of America’s current state and future potential.