The Secrets of Statecraft

Andrew Roberts is joined by Dan Wang, Hoover research fellow and the author of Breakneck to explore the shifting balance of global power between China, the United States, and Europe. Wang argues that China’s massive manufacturing capacity, rapid electrification, and relentless infrastructure building are giving it a growing edge—even as Western democracies struggle with regulation, litigation, and political gridlock. The conversation ranges from tariffs, engineering education, and the “vetocracy” holding back Western construction to the geopolitics of EVs, AI regulation, and China’s demographic future. They also discuss the possibility of rising populism in Europe, and whether the West can rediscover the ambitious engineering spirit that once built Hoover Dam and the Apollo program.

Munira Mirza is a former British political advisor who served as Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson from 2019 through 2022. She is currently the Director of Civic Future, a non-profit that tries to attract talented people to stand for public office. In this interview, she reflects on her time at the highest levels of British government and delivers a bracing diagnosis of why political leadership has deteriorated across liberal democracies. She explores how short-termism, media incentives, and declining elite formation have driven talented people away from public life. The conversation ranges from Brexit and COVID to meritocracy, civic duty, and what it would take to rebuild a serious governing class.

What makes an ordinary person risk everything to save a stranger? Author and historian Richard Hurowitz joins the show to discuss his book, In the Garden of the Righteous: The Heroes Who Risked Their Lives to Save Jews During the Holocaust, which recounts the extraordinary men and women who took immense personal risks to aid people who were being hunted by the Nazis.  The conversation explores unforgettable stories of moral courage, including a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands with a stamp and lost his career, a world-famous Italian cyclist who used his celebrity and his bicycle to smuggle false papers, and entire communities in Denmark, Albania, and France that refused to betray their Jewish neighbors. Hurowitz explains why rescue remains one of the least studied aspects of the Holocaust, what rescuers had in common, and how early childhood values, faith, and self-confidence shaped their decisions. This is a powerful and deeply human discussion about moral responsibility, the nature of courage, and what it means to stand up when standing apart is dangerous — and why these stories still matter today. 

Historian David Kennedy looks at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership by exploring how he guided the United States through the twin upheavals of the Great Depression and World War II. Kennedy explains how FDR reshaped federal power, responded to mass economic hardship, and slowly steered a largely isolationist nation toward global responsibility. The discussion highlights the weaknesses of the pre–New Deal government, Roosevelt’s innovative (and sometimes improvised) approach to rebuilding institutions, and the ongoing historical debates over what he was trying to achieve and how successful he really was. Overall, the exchange paints FDR as both a bold domestic reformer and a key architect of the postwar international system that defined American leadership for decades.

Frank Dikötter, a historian and author known for his insights on modern China and dictatorship, dives into the unsettling psyche of tyrants. He discusses how dictators prioritize loyalty over love and manipulate both minds and bodies to maintain control. The episode uncovers the dangerous cultivation of sycophants, the paradox of apparent popularity, and the relentless psychological warfare these leaders wage. With examples from historical and contemporary figures like Mao, Putin, and Xi, Dikötter reveals the common traits that lead to both the rise and inevitable fall of authoritarian regimes.

Barry Strauss, a renowned ancient historian and author, delves into the Jewish revolts against Rome, spanning over 200 years. He explores the aftermath of the Great Revolt, the relentless spirit of Jewish resistance, and influential figures like Herod the Great and Simon Bar Kokhba. Strauss highlights the surprising support from Parthia and the complex motives behind Jewish collaboration with Rome. With engaging anecdotes, he draws parallels between ancient struggles and contemporary issues, emphasizing themes of resilience and unity that still resonate today.

Ben Sasse, the former US Senator and President of the University of Florida, joins Andrew Roberts for a thought-provoking conversation. He discusses the dysfunction in Congress, the challenges facing American institutions, and the impact of social media on politics. Sasse critiques higher education issues like grade inflation and the decline of work ethic among students. He also navigates the implications of the AI revolution on the workforce and analyzes the current state of US foreign policy regarding Iran, China, and Russia. Plus, he explains what a 'nougie' is!

Historian Andrew Roberts is joined by former U.S. Secretary of State and current Director of the Hoover Institution Condoleezza Rice for a dive deep into today’s international hotspots—including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rising tensions with China over Taiwan, and the complex relationships between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Their discussion also covers how leaders draw lessons from history, what might tip the world into a new Cold War, and how nations might address these evolving challenges. Director Rice also gives her thoughts on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence— which includes her recommended read, The Worlds I See by Fei-Fei Li, the Founding Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute.

Conrad Black, a Canadian businessman and esteemed author, chats about his latest historical work covering the years 14AD to 1648. He explores the misconceptions of the 'Dark Ages', diving into both calamities and remarkable figures. The discussion highlights cunning leaders like Richelieu and Elizabeth I, unraveling their complexities. Black also critiques democracy's flaws versus historical governance while re-evaluating the role of Christianity during the late Roman Empire. Finally, he entertains the hypothetical impact of a victorious Mongol invasion on Europe.

Niall Ferguson, a world-renowned historian and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into a kaleidoscope of topics, from time travel to the implications of historical events on modern geopolitics. He explores how counterfactuals can reshape our understanding of critical moments, like the Manhattan Project. Ferguson also discusses the impact of applied history on issues like the Ukraine conflict and critiques of fiscal policies that threaten great powers. With insights on the future of education and institutional integrity, he highlights the intersection of history with contemporary challenges.