The Secrets of Statecraft
Hoover Institution
Secrets of Statecraft is a bimonthly podcast hosted by Distinguished Visiting Fellow Andrew Roberts that explores the effect that the study of history has had on the careers and decision making of public figures. The podcast also features leading historians discussing the influence that the study of history had on their biographical subjects. The title is taken from Winston Churchill’s reply on Coronation Day 1953 to a young American who had asked him for life advice, to whom he said, “Study history, study history, for therein lie all the secrets of statecraft.”
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 45min
Defending Democracy: The Life’s Work of George Robertson | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Lord (George) Robertson, Former Secretary-General of NATO, discusses the importance of studying history, understanding tensions in the Balkans, Scottish nationalism, the creation of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force, the significance of aircraft carriers, and the role of NATO in Western security. They also analyze Putin's views on Ukraine and his historical delusion.
7 snips
May 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
Alexander Downer’s Continual Crisis Management | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Alexander Downer, the longest serving Australian foreign minister, shares his experience in crisis management, including during 9/11. Topics discussed include Australian history and Indigenous debates, the decision behind the Iraq War, the role of think tanks in politics, conformity in universities, and the potential impacts of the Battle of Trafalgar.
4 snips
Apr 26, 2023 • 44min
The Past is Prologue for Lord Julian Fellowes | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Lord Julian Fellowes, Oscar-winning creator of Gosford Park and Downton Abbey, discusses his personal connections and family history that influenced his writing. They also talk about the complexity of religion in the 17th century, controversy over censorship in Roald Dahl's children's books, breaking typecasting for actors, captivating books and counterfactual scenarios, and reflections on the Habsburg family.
Apr 10, 2023 • 46min
The Trials of Bill Barr | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Andrew Roberts, Hoover Institution, speaks about the life and trials of Bill Barr. Topics include Barr's early influences, the context of the US Constitution, the unitary executive theory, the capture of General Noriega in Panama, reflections on power and crises, history and national security, 'American Ulysses' by Ronald White, and corruption scandals.
4 snips
Mar 28, 2023 • 48min
The Past is Ever-Present for Bret Stephens | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Bret Stephens, Pulitzer-winning journalist, discusses the dangers of attacking the founding fathers, cancel culture's impact on liberal society and Jews, arming Taiwan to deter China, Salman Rushdie's years in hiding, the consequences of Obama's response to Assad's chemical attack, and the Obama administration's foreign policy disappointments and betrayals.
Mar 10, 2023 • 43min
John Bolton’s World Tour | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Former US Ambassador to the UN and National Security Adviser John Bolton considers the global challenges to the West.
Feb 28, 2023 • 41min
Nick Thomas-Symonds and the History of the Labour Party | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
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.
Feb 14, 2023 • 44min
History Matters to Sir Trevor Phillips | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
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.
Jan 5, 2023 • 43min
Simon Sebag Montefiore Goes Into the World | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
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.
Dec 14, 2022 • 32min
The Tory Philosophy of Michael Gove | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
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.
