Empire

Eleanor Barraclough, a Viking expert and author of "Embers of The Hands," discusses the fascinating Norse settlers in Greenland. She reveals how they adapted their diets beyond fish, relying on seal blubber for survival. Trade with Norway through walrus ivory emerges as a key theme, showcasing their economic ingenuity. Also, the podcast delves into the quirky side of Viking folklore, featuring 'horny zombies' and other eerie tales, blending humor with history in a captivating exploration of Viking life and culture.

Giles Milton, an author specializing in narrative history, joins the discussion. He sheds light on the Berlin Blockade and the Western Allies' airlift efforts, emphasizing the logistical hurdles they faced. The dire conditions in Berlin, including food shortages and the desperate measures residents took, paint a vivid picture of survival. Milton also highlights Ernst Reuter's pivotal role as a symbol of resistance. Lastly, the conversation touches on NATO's evolution, addressing its current relevance amid geopolitical tensions.

Join historian and author Giles Milton, known for his book on the Cold War, as he delves into life in post-WWII Berlin. Discover the chaotic aftermath of the Soviet advance and the hardships faced by civilians amidst rampant looting. Giles uncovers the moral complexities of survival in a devastated city and contrasts the lifestyles of Berlin residents with those of Allied soldiers. He also reveals the eccentric leaders navigating this turbulent time, and discusses the challenging process of denazification and the tensions of the Potsdam Conference.

Dive into the chaotic dynamics of the Yalta Conference as Churchill, FDR, and Stalin grapple with critical decisions. Discover the absurdity of a lavish dinner amidst global turmoil and the brewing Cold War tensions. Laugh along with anecdotes of drinking habits and nostalgic beverages that add a light-hearted touch to serious negotiations. Explore the complex legacy of decisions made over Poland’s future and the long-lasting impacts on today's political alliances. It's a blend of humor and history you won't want to miss!

Delve into the origins of the United Nations and uncover how deals made in 1945 shape today's geopolitics. Explore the fraught dynamics at the Yalta Conference, especially the impact of a leader's declining health on negotiations. Discover the complexities of Poland's territorial shifts post-World War II and the contrasting negotiation styles of Churchill and Stalin. Get insights into the power struggles that influenced the formation of the UN and the lasting effects on global alliances.

Uncover the untold stories of the Yalta Conference, from the leaders' quirky accommodations to the tension-filled negotiations that shaped post-war Europe. Discover why FDR avoided the press and how personal relationships influenced political decisions. Delve into the chaotic atmosphere surrounding Stalin, marked by rampant lice and intense surveillance. This conversation reveals the high stakes of global governance and the intricate dynamics between leaders, especially regarding Poland’s future.

Discover how FDR became the unlikely mediator between Churchill and Stalin at the pivotal 1945 Yalta Conference. Unravel the nuances behind Churchill's amusing moniker for Yalta and delve into Mussolini's jabs at FDR. Explore the personal dynamics that shaped Roosevelt's leadership, including his complex relationships and struggles. Examine the contrasting perceptions of Churchill, heroic in Britain yet criticized in India. Finally, immerse yourself in the espionage intrigue surrounding the notorious Cambridge spies.

Discover how the 1945 Yalta Conference shifted the global landscape in just eight days. Explore Joseph Stalin's early life and the factors that shaped him into a ruthless leader. The discussion highlights the lasting implications of Yalta on modern geopolitics, particularly regarding Russian expansionism and Ukraine. Delve into the intricate dynamics between Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Stalin as they redrew borders post-World War II. Unearth Stalin's reign of terror and its chilling legacy that echoes in today's political climate.

Stephen R. Platt, author of Imperial Twilight, dives into the complex legacy of the Opium Wars and their lasting impact on China. He explores the absurd grievances that sparked the Second Opium War and the tragic fate of the Summer Palace during this turbulent time. The discussion also draws unsettling parallels between historical opium crises and today’s fentanyl epidemic in America, revealing how themes of humiliation and power loss resonate across time. This engaging conversation illuminates the ethical dilemmas and imperial shadows haunting geopolitics today.

Dive into the tumultuous world of the First Opium War, where moral dilemmas collide with military might. Discover how British forces exploited China's weaknesses, leading to chaos and peasant revolts. Explore the internal conflicts among British officials and the challenges faced by a hapless envoy caught in the crossfire of diplomacy. Experience the stark contrast at a diplomatic banquet, highlighting the cultural divide. The lasting impact of these imperial actions on modern British-Chinese relations is also examined, revealing echoes of history that still resonate today.