

Past Present Future
David Runciman
Past Present Future is a bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, host and creator of Talking Politics, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology. David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and many others about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter.Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.New episodes every Thursday and Sunday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 59min
Politics on Trial: Easter Rising 1916 w/Fintan O’Toole
Fintan O’Toole, an acclaimed Irish writer and historian, delves into the fallout from the Easter Rising of 1916. He discusses the ambitious goals of the uprising's leaders and the British missteps in their clandestine court-martials. O’Toole examines how these trials shaped perceptions of martyrdom, transforming fourteen executed leaders into potent symbols of Irish nationalism. He also explores Roger Casement's trial and George Bernard Shaw's unique ideas on defense, raising provocative questions about justice and traitorship amidst a chaotic political landscape.

42 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 55min
PPF+: A Taste of What You've Been Missing!
Helen Thompson, a keen political scientist and academic, dives into the cinematic depths of 'Apocalypse Now.' She unpacks how the film reflects American culture and critiques military strategies during the Vietnam War, especially through the lens of character journeys and disillusionment. The discussion also touches on Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein,' exploring its themes of empathy tied to imperialism, and draws connections between historical events and the evolution of political ideologies. Prepare for a thought-provoking reflection on war, identity, and the legacy of liberal ideals.

46 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 59min
Politics on Trial 100th Anniversary Special: Franz Kafka’s The Trial
Ian Ellison, a writer and Kafka expert, dives into the labyrinth of Franz Kafka’s 'The Trial' on its 100th anniversary. He unpacks the bizarre experience of a trial that never occurs and its eerie reflections of Kafka’s own struggles with love and identity. The conversation explores the concept of the 'Kafkaesque' and how Kafka's themes of absurdity and bureaucracy resonate in today's society. Ellison also sheds light on the relevance of these ideas amidst modern technology and complex social networks.

34 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 7min
Politics on Trial: Dreyfus vs the Conspiracy Theory
Delve into the gripping narrative of the Dreyfus Affair, a scandal that exposed deep societal rifts in France. Witness the absurdity of the legal battles that revealed rampant anti-Semitism and the shocking wrongful conviction of Alfred Dreyfus. Explore the tension between military reputation and the pursuit of justice, as hidden conspiracies unfold. Additionally, discover connections to Kafka’s themes of alienation and hypocrisy, shedding light on current political anxieties. This tale is a fascinating commentary on justice and societal collapse.

27 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
Politics on Trial: Oscar Wilde vs the Philistines
Dive into the dramatic trials of Oscar Wilde in 1895, where ambition met devastating consequences. Explore how Wilde's misguided libel suit against Lord Queensbury spiraled into public scandal, revealing the dark undercurrents of Victorian society. This gripping examination unpacks the moral dilemmas Wilde faced and the cultural forces that ultimately shaped his legacy. Witness the clash between art and societal norms, as Wilde's quest for beauty leads to his tragic downfall.

25 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Now & Then with Robert Saunders: Whatever Happened to Unemployment?
Historian Robert Saunders joins to explore the fascinating history of unemployment in the UK. He discusses the landmark 1% unemployment rate in 1955 and its political implications. The conversation shifts to the evolution of work through significant eras, such as Victorian trade unionism and the Thatcher revolution. Saunders delves into gender dynamics post-World War I and how unemployment has shaped voter perceptions and party policies over the decades, including the Labour Party's identity today.

16 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 59min
Politics on Trial: Charles Parnell vs the English
Dive into the riveting trials of Charles Parnell, whose political exoneration contrasted starkly with his personal scandal. Discover how he survived grave accusations of terrorism yet faltered in the face of infidelity. Explore the political turmoil of 19th-century Ireland as Parnell's struggles for Home Rule were undermined by a scandal that split movements and changed the course of history. Unravel the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in a dangerously decorous age that ultimately defined Parnell's legacy.

25 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 57min
Politics on Trial: The Haymarket Eight vs the Police
Explore the notorious trial of the Haymarket Eight, where eight men were unjustly convicted for a bombing they didn’t commit. Delve into the violent clashes at McCormick Reaper, igniting the fight for an eight-hour workday. Learn about the tense atmosphere leading up to the Haymarket rally, filled with worker frustrations and fears of police violence. Discover the biased jury selection process that led to a miscarriage of justice, and examine the lasting legacy of this trial on labor movements and political discourse in America.

9 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 58min
Politics on Trial: John Brown vs Slavery
The podcast dives into the gripping trial of abolitionist John Brown after his raid on Harper’s Ferry, which marked a pivotal moment leading to the Civil War. It showcases powerful speeches by Brown, Thoreau, and Douglass, addressing civil disobedience and the fight against slavery. Douglass’s evolving views on violence are examined, highlighting his call for resistance. The trial's impact on both public perception and political strategies reveals how one man's actions echoed through history, shaking the very foundations of a divided nation.

35 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 55min
Politics on Trial: Aaron Burr vs the Constitution
In this engaging discussion, historian Gary Gerstle delves into the tumultuous treason trial of Aaron Burr in 1807. He explores why Burr was never tried for killing Alexander Hamilton and the controversy around his alleged plans to invade Mexico. The dynamics between President Jefferson and Chief Justice Marshall are also examined, revealing a power struggle that shaped the trial. Ultimately, Gerstle highlights how Burr's acquittal couldn't save his political career, making this tale a compelling chapter in American history.