Past Present Future

Robert Saunders, a historian known for his expertise on British politics, joins David Runciman to explore the profound aftermath of the 2016 Brexit referendum. They discuss how Brexit has reshaped the UK's political landscape, leading to a constitutional crisis and shifting public sentiments. The conversation also touches on the complexities of governance in a fragile parliamentary environment and highlights the emergence of smaller parties reshaping political engagement. It's a fascinating dive into the ripple effects of a single political decision.

Dive into the riveting tale of Hitler's 1924 treason trial, a moment that could have ended his ambitions but instead catapulted him to notoriety. Discover how his failed coup, the Beer Hall Putsch, reshaped Weimar Germany and the dynamics of power. Explore the dramatic betrayals among his conspirators and how Hitler skillfully turned his trial into a platform for his ideology. Reflect on the chilling repercussions of judicial decisions that paved the way for the Nazi party's rise, and ponder what might have been.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.