

Margaret MacMillan
Emeritus Professor of International History at the University of Oxford. She is a historian known for her expertise in international relations and the history of the First World War.
Top 10 podcasts with Margaret MacMillan
Ranked by the Snipd community

82 snips
Mar 29, 2026 • 28min
The Global Story: Are we heading for World War Three?
Margaret MacMillan, a historian of international relations at Oxford and Toronto, explores whether the Iran conflict could spiral wider. She looks at how wars start by accident. She traces chain reactions, shipping threats, Gulf instability, and tensions around Taiwan. She also examines why leaders fail to stop fighting and where diplomacy might still create an off-ramp.

74 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
The End of the American Empire
Margaret MacMillan, an esteemed historian and professor at the University of Toronto and Oxford, joins the conversation to explore the fading influence of the United States on the global stage. They discuss whether the U.S. operates as an empire and the signs of its decline. MacMillan highlights how unilateral actions and economic policies reflect an abandonment of international norms, while considering the potential rise of alternatives like China. Their engaging dialogue uncovers the historical roots of America’s current role and the challenges that lie ahead.

52 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 44min
Why Is America Going It Alone?
Margaret MacMillan, a renowned historian and professor emeritus at Oxford University, dives into the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign alliances under the Trump administration. She discusses how Trump's approach undermines traditional diplomacy, posing risks similar to historical appeasement before World War II. MacMillan warns against normalizing territorial conquests like those seen in Ukraine, reflecting on the repercussions for global relations. The conversation also explores NATO dynamics and how historical narratives influence modern political identities.

16 snips
May 5, 2025 • 40min
Kommt der Krieg zurück, Margaret MacMillan? - #1385
Margaret MacMillan, kanadische Historikerin und Professorin an der Universität Oxford, diskutiert die geopolitischen Spannungen der Gegenwart und zieht Parallelen zu historischen Konflikten. Sie analysiert die Rückkehr autoritärer Tendenzen und die Auswirkungen des Ukraine-Kriegs auf die Weltordnung. Interessant sind auch ihre Einsichten zur Rolle von Technologie und klassischen Kriegsführungsstrategien. Zudem beleuchtet sie die komplexen Dynamiken von Kriegsbeendigung und Verhandlungen, wobei sie die Lehren der Geschichte zur Gestaltung der Zukunft betont.

14 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 50min
What ignoring the rules of war could mean for the world
Praveen Sahai, a former UN peacekeeper who disarmed combatants in Mozambique. Guy Delaunay, a reporter on Serbia’s energy squeeze and US sanctions. Michael Geruso, an economist on global fertility trends and population forecasts. Margaret MacMillan, a historian of 20th-century diplomacy and the laws of war. They discuss the origins and erosion of war rules, shifting military doctrines, energy dependence, and changing population dynamics.

13 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 57min
Is Might Right?
Lea Ypi, philosopher and author reflecting on Rousseau and cosmopolitanism. Margaret MacMillan, historian of diplomacy and international order. Hugo Drochon, political historian of elites and democracy. Angie Hobbs, classical philosopher on Plato and justice. They debate Thucydides, Plato, Hobbes, Rousseau and Kant, trace international law and institutions, and consider modern power, legitimacy and resistance.

9 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 28min
Are we heading for World War Three?
Margaret MacMillan, Emeritus professor of international history known for her work on 19th and 20th century conflicts, discusses how world wars begin and spread. She outlines scenarios for wider Middle East escalation and the accidents and miscalculations that can trigger global conflict. She explores why wars are hard to end and what diplomatic paths and confidence-building measures might prevent wider catastrophe.

Jan 26, 2026 • 43min
Margaret MacMillan: Are We Headed Back to the WWI Era of Great Power Rivalry?
Margaret MacMillan, historian and author known for work on 20th-century diplomacy, offers sharp historical parallels to today. She compares present tensions to pre-WWI power rivalry. She discusses Trump's Greenland note, NATO strains, risks to smaller powers, Canada’s defence choices, and how unpredictable leadership reshapes alliances.

May 8, 2025 • 52min
Assessing America's Role 80 Years After WWII
Leon Panetta, a seasoned political figure and former CIA Director, joins historian Margaret MacMillan from the University of Oxford to discuss America's role in the world 80 years after WWII. They delve into rising global tensions, specifically the Kashmir conflict, and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the implications of historical narratives and the necessity of learning from the past to address present challenges, particularly regarding Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Oct 28, 2022 • 54min
The Fulcrum of History: Margaret MacMillan, Sir Max Hastings and Peter Frankopan on the War in Ukraine
Join esteemed historians Margaret MacMillan, Sir Max Hastings, and Peter Frankopan as they delve into the implications of the war in Ukraine. They discuss how historical narratives shape modern geopolitics, questioning Putin's invocation of the past. The trio analyzes the logistical blunders behind the Russian invasion and the critical role of U.S. support for Ukraine. They also explore the emotional dimensions of leadership in conflict and the need for cautious, informed responses to today's global tensions.


