Past Present Future

Chris Clark, a historian specializing in modern German history, dives into the complexities of Trump-like leadership. He explores whether comparisons to historical figures like Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm are valid, noting Trump's royal-like personalization of power and tactical provocation. Discussing the impact of social media on decorum, Clark argues Trump embodies both American traits and a modern challenge to traditional democratic norms. The conversation also touches on how Trump's image was shaped by his TV persona and the implications for governance.

Historian Chris Clark, an expert on modern Germany, discusses the intriguing parallels between Kaiser Wilhelm II and contemporary leadership styles. He dives into Wilhelm's complex personality, questioning whether he was a populist or merely out of his depth. The conversation covers his infamous Huns speech and the public's mixed reactions, along with his erratic communication in the media age. Clark also examines Wilhelm's political maneuverings and the strategic uncertainty his leadership created, which resonates with today’s dynamics.

Historian Julian Jackson joins to dissect the complex legacy of Marshal Pétain and the Vichy regime. He challenges the notion of Pétain playing a double game with the Nazis, examining the scandalous antisemitism present in Vichy policies. The discussion also delves into the marginalized fate of France’s Jews during Pétain's trial, exploring public attitudes and the ambient anti-Semitism of the time. Jackson connects these historical threads to modern French politics, analyzing attempts to rehabilitate Vichy's image in today's far-right discourse.

Julian Jackson, a noted historian of modern France, dives into the dramatic treason trial of Marshal Pétain in 1945. He explores how Pétain's return to face trial reflected deep questions about French identity and accountability. Topics include de Gaulle's ambivalence toward the trial, the complex charges against Pétain, and the trial's dual nature as both a genuine legal proceeding and a potential spectacle. Jackson illuminates the historical implications of Pétain's legacy and France's moral and political reckoning after World War II.

Today’s episode is the first of two exploring the origins, conduct and legacy of the Moscow Show Trials that Stalin staged from 1936-38. David talks to historian of Russia Edward Acton about what motivated these grotesque spectacles, how the defendants were chosen, how their confessions were extracted, why the rhetoric was so violent and who was fooled by what they saw and heard. Plus: how did the trials of these few lead to the murders of so many? Available tomorrow on PPF+: our second episode on the Moscow Show Trials in which David and Edward discuss the 1938 trial of Nikolai Bukharin, the most celebrated defendant of them all, whose case inspired some of the world’s great political literature.  To get this and all our bonus episodes plus ad-free listening sign up to PPF+ today https://www.ppfideas.com/join-ppf-plus Next time in Politics on Trial: De Gaulle vs Pétain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We return to our series about the most significant trials in history with the trial of the twentieth century: Scopes ‘Monkey’ (1925), which was meant to be about a Tennessee schoolteacher but became a battle between science and religion and everything in between. What made it such a blockbuster showdown? Who really won and who really lost? And how are arguments from one hundred years ago still roiling American politics today?  To get our free fortnightly newsletter delivered to your inbox with guides, clips and much more to accompany all our episodes sign up now https://www.ppfideas.com/newsletters Next time in Politics on Trial: the Moscow Show Trials Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bruno Maçães, a former Portuguese government minister and author, and Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former senior tech insider, delve into the complex dynamics of power in a world torn between state influence and corporate giants. They discuss the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and China, the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future, and how tech companies navigate political landscapes. Both guests ponder whether autonomy in AI weapons poses existential risks and what true victory might look like as global powers vie for dominance.

David Klemperer, a political historian and electoral systems expert, joins the discussion tackling big questions about democracy. He and the hosts ponder whether democracy is genuinely broken or if it has ever existed authentically. The conversation dives into the impact of conspiracism and misinformation, as well as the role of an informed citizenry. They also debate controversial ideas like banning older voters and the necessity of compulsory voting, alongside strategies to curb money in politics and adapt to social media's influence.

Historian Ayse Zarakol, an expert on international politics and authoritarianism, delves into the rise of strongman politics and its implications for democracy. She discusses how figures like Trump and Erdogan personalize power, eroding impersonal institutions. Ayse also explores the structural similarities among these leaders, the consequences of complacency, and the need for active civic engagement. She warns that the past may repeat itself if democracy fails to innovate and emphasizes the importance of ordinary citizens in reclaiming power.

David sits down with Sam Freedman, a political writer and commentator, to tackle the impact of social media on democracy. They explore if we're more vulnerable to disinformation today and discuss how TikTok's attention-driven nature shifts political engagement. The conversation highlights the media's evolution towards entertainment, the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity, and the need for enhanced media literacy in schools. Sam also reflects on how youth movements leverage social media for political change, raising questions about the future of democratic processes.