The Secrets of Statecraft

British historian Nick Thomas-Symonds discusses the giants of Labour Party history: Ramsay MacDonald, Clement Attlee, Aneurin Bevan, and Harold Wilson. The podcast explores their contrasting personalities and leadership styles, access to unpublished autobiography and crucial documents, reputation and decision-making process of the Labour cabinet, counterfactual scenarios in British politics and the potential impact on the split in the Labour Party.

Sir Trevor Phillips, founder of the Policy Exchange’s History Matters project, discusses the importance of history, race, and free speech. Topics include public opinion on changing street names and pulling down statues, race relations in Britain today, the longevity of the House of Windsor, the problems with politics and journalism, and exploring historical counterfactuals and speculating on the impact of Bobby Kennedy's survival.

British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore discusses his new book that analyzes global events through famous families. They delve into writing modern life as history with a focus on Putin's invasion of Ukraine. They also explore the dark history of the slave trade, the dangers faced by historians, and the interactions of Tamur the Great with historian Ibn Khaldun.

Michael Gove, a genuine intellectual in politics, discusses the importance of history in forming political philosophy and shares insights on the historical context of Britain's EU membership and the relevance of the Suez Crisis. He also explores the improvements in history education, the grasp of history by Tory prime ministers, and the influence of 'The Idea of a Patric King' on modern constitutional monarchy.

Karl Rove, political consultant and historian, discusses his rise through the business of politics, his days in the White House, and his current career as a historian. They explore the significance of the 1896 presidential election, the impact of social media on politics, and the potential outcomes if Germany had denied Vladimir Lenin's passage through their country in 1917. Rove also talks about accomplishments of historical figures and economic policies implemented by political leaders.

David Cameron was well prepared to be the British prime minister from 2010 to 2016, after receiving a first-class education at the hands of top historians. He explores how much his schooling in history affected the decisions he took when called upon to make it. 

Understanding the psyche of Russia and the Russians has bewildered Westerners for generations; foremost expert Stephen Kotkin gives some penetrating insights into how to do it.

H.R. McMaster, former National Security Adviser, discusses American mistakes in Vietnam, the importance of learning from the past, and analyzes the Russo-Ukrainian War. He also emphasizes the significance of teaching military history and understanding the evolution of the National Security Advisor position. Lastly, he explores the Battle of Saratoga and its impact on American independence.

Dr. Condoleezza Rice discusses her upbringing and love for history. She reflects on the civil rights struggle and the impact of President Kennedy's assassination. The podcast explores predecessors in her role, the influence of slavery and race on American history, Putin's historical perspective on Ukraine, and the role of individuals and forces in shaping history.

Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove discusses the impact of Kim Philby's treachery, Cold War victories against the KGB, the influence of fictional spies on British intelligence, the UK's role in European intelligence, and a historical counterfactual scenario involving Hitler and the atom bomb.