The EI Podcast

This episode dives into how Stalin manipulated the Slavic cause to construct the Soviet Empire. It reveals Edvard Beneš's perspective on the looming Slavic struggle against German expansion. The discussion highlights Nazi ambitions in Eastern Europe and the paradoxical alliances of WWII. Stalin's wartime propaganda is examined, showcasing a distorted vision of Slavic unity. As Beneš navigates his complex relationship with Stalin, the shift from Slavic solidarity to Soviet dominance unfolds, culminating in the chilling decline of the Slavic myth during the Cold War.

A warning to the young about the perils of AI for critical thinking and creativity takes center stage. The host discusses how AI erodes concentration and deep work, raising concerns about its impact on student writing. He emphasizes that writing is integral to learning and warns against outsourcing this skill. Historical comparisons illustrate how technology reshapes human capabilities. Urging students to reject AI aids, he argues that intellectual freedom relies on genuine thought. The discussion underscores the vital link between reasoning skills and democratic resilience.

Dive into the fascinating world of Mick Herron’s Slough House series. Explore how spy fiction artfully blends reality and invention. Discover the compelling details that create suspense, alongside the peculiar lives of MI5's misfits. Unpack the meaning of betrayal in the realm of espionage and the moral weight of loyalty embodied by Jackson Lamb. Learn how Herron’s narrative resonates with modern British life, revealing societal flaws while showcasing the surprising competence of the so-called 'slow horses' when given real missions.

In this engaging conversation, historian Stephen Kotkin, renowned for his work on Stalin, discusses the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its historical roots. He argues that Ukraine's destruction could be seen as a Russian victory strategy. Kotkin emphasizes the limits of sanctions and the importance of targeting Putin's elite to destabilize his regime. He also proposes a Nordic-Baltic alliance to enhance military cooperation in Europe and cautions about the risks of major powers navigating their rivalries without escalating violence.

Why do people the world over enjoy listening to songs sung in French? Critic Muriel Zagha illuminates the living tradition of French chanson.  Image: Juliette Gréco, the French actress and singer. Credit: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Explore the centuries-old dilemma surrounding attention and presence. The impact of smartphones on our focus raises questions about awareness and social consequences. Findings suggest no significant harm from screen time on children's brains. Mindfulness techniques linked to Stoicism are examined, highlighting their potential for anxiety relief. Montaigne's critiques and insights into imagination illuminate our quest for meaning. Ultimately, attention isn't lost; it's just aimed at trivial distractions, with a simple remedy found in the beauty of the world around us.

Historian David Cowan explains how radical reform can reshape the state. Read by Leighton Pugh. Image: A political caricature, 'Political Dreams, Visions of Peace, Perspective Horrors', by James Gillray of Pitt the Younger. Credit: INTERFOTO / Alamy Stock Photo

David Omand, ex-head of GCHQ, the British government's world-renowned cyber agency, explores how intelligence officers exploit the latest technological advances. Image: Digital espionage is on the rise. Credit: Stu Gray / Alamy Stock Photo 

EI's Alastair Benn and Paul Lay are joined by Jonathan Esty, of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, to discuss Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, published 70 years ago, a gripping novel that captures the passing of the baton from the old colonial powers to the new masters in South-East Asia. Image: French paratroops at the beginning of the First Indochina War. Credit: Keystone Press

Samuel Rubinstein, a historian specializing in ideological narratives, delves into the manipulation of Charlemagne's legacy by Nazi historiographers. He discusses how they transformed Charlemagne from a revered king into a controversial symbol to enhance Hitler's image. The conversation highlights the distortion and rebranding of historical figures in Nazi propaganda and the ongoing debates about Charlemagne's legacy in post-war Europe. Rubinstein also reflects on how these interpretations continue to influence contemporary historical perspectives.