The Secrets of Statecraft
Hoover Institution
Secrets of Statecraft is a bimonthly podcast hosted by Distinguished Visiting Fellow Andrew Roberts that explores the effect that the study of history has had on the careers and decision making of public figures. The podcast also features leading historians discussing the influence that the study of history had on their biographical subjects. The title is taken from Winston Churchill’s reply on Coronation Day 1953 to a young American who had asked him for life advice, to whom he said, “Study history, study history, for therein lie all the secrets of statecraft.”
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 49min
Around The World With Dan Hannan | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Historian Andrew Roberts discusses CANZUK, US-UK trade post-Brexit, and US-Pacific relations. The podcast explores Kanzuk alliances, House of Lords reform, Gaza stability, Latin America's development, Irish home rule, and possible historical 'what ifs'.
Jul 2, 2024 • 52min
Con Coughlin: Getting Into the Minds of Monsters | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Con Coughlin, veteran war correspondent and Daily Telegraph foreign & defense editor, has written the biographies of Ayatollah Khomeini, Saddam Hussein and Bashir Al-Assad. And he’s also gone drinking with Hunter S. Thompson …
Jun 17, 2024 • 35min
Nicolas Sarkozy's 'Certain Idea of France' | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, discusses the weight of history on his leadership decisions. Topics include the legacy of Napoleon, strong leadership in French history, rise of hard-right parties in Europe, importance of defending national identity, negotiations with Putin, European responsibility for Israel's survival, and the mystery of betrayal in history.
Jun 5, 2024 • 49min
A Continental Tour d’Horizon with Zeinab Badawi | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
The history of Africa over the past seven millennia, and this time from an African perspective.
8 snips
May 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
The State of Israel with Dan Senor | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Dan Senor, host of the “Call Me Back” podcast, discusses the war in Gaza, Biden's potential arms embargo on Israel, the challenges of the two-state solution, and the interplay of anti-Israel sentiments in political movements. The podcast also explores historical perspectives on Jewish contributions in German society and reflects on Yitzhak Rabin's assassination and its impact on the peace process.
May 10, 2024 • 41min
The Mission of Tzipi Hotovely | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Israeli Ambassador to London, Tzipi Hotovely, discusses the challenges of negotiating with Hamas, compares their atrocities to Nazis, emphasizes the importance of truth in reporting, criticizes UNRWA's role in perpetuating conflict, and highlights diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The discussion also touches on the ICC's pursuit of Bibi Netanyahu and the Labour Party's stance on Israel.
Apr 12, 2024 • 42min
Toby Young Speaks Freely | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Toby Young, director of the splendid Free Speech Union, discusses his campaign to defend freedom of expression.
Mar 27, 2024 • 43min
Conrad Black’s Extraordinary Magnum Opus | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Conrad Black, author of a thousand-page history of the Ancient World, discusses the importance of studying ancient civilizations and historical figures in politics. He explores concepts like the great man theory of history, statesmanship, and the impact of philosophy on political leaders. The podcast also delves into 'what if' scenarios in history, including the consequences of an extended life for Alexander the Great.
6 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 46min
The China threat: from TikTok to Taiwan | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
US Congressman Mike Gallagher discusses the threat of China from TikTok to Taiwan, highlighting the potential conflict scenarios, importance of maintaining American hard power, risks of TikTok propaganda, foreign ownership of media outlets, threats in the Middle East and Ukraine crisis, congressional reform, and post-political plans.
Feb 23, 2024 • 33min
The Sagacity of Elliott Abrams | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Elliott Abrams has had the ear of Republican presidents from Reagan to Trump. Here is what he told them...
