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
4 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 1h 2min
Matt Pottinger Sounds the Alarm in Asia | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Former Deputy National Security Adviser and China expert Matt Pottinger discusses China's shift towards authoritarianism, the lab leak theory of COVID-19, Taiwan's defense strategies, US deterrence, UK's challenges with China, and the implications of the Tiananmen Massacre counterfactuals.
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 13min
The View From Inside Israel with Tom Gross | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Tom Gross, a British journalist and Middle East commentator, shares his experiences in building connections with influential people. He discusses Israeli intelligence failures, bias against Israel in the media, ethical concerns surrounding GoPro footage, alleged anti-Israel bias of NGOs, impact of Israeli settlers on the conflict, consequences of backing the Shah, and Obama's approach towards Iran.
Nov 10, 2023 • 50min
Once More Unto the Breach, with Eliot Cohen | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Former State Department Counsellor Eliot Cohen discusses the parallels between Shakespearean characters and real-life leaders. The podcast explores the influence of Shakespeare on politics, the role of counselors, and the comparison between Donald Trump and a Shakespearean character.
Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 5min
The varied career (but unvarying principles) of Robert O’Brien | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Robert O'Brien, a former national security advisor to President Trump, discusses his diverse career and the importance of history. He shares his personal religious journey and reflections on world leaders and diplomacy. He emphasizes China as the biggest threat to the United States and explores strategies for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Aug 15, 2023 • 55min
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik on exceptional Jewish Leadership | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
The rabbi of America’s oldest Jewish congregation discusses his new book, Providence and Power.
4 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 45min
Getting Inside the Mind of Vladimir Putin | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts and Michael McFaul | Hoover Institution
Experts Andrew Roberts and Michael McFaul discuss the background and intentions of Vladimir Putin, reflecting on the collapse of the Soviet Union, cooperation with Russia in the White House, Ukraine's potential NATO membership, the weakness of Putin's regime, false flag operations, and an assassination near the Kremlin.
4 snips
Jul 12, 2023 • 54min
Tony Abbott Speaks Out | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Former prime minister of Australia Tony Abbott is in characteristically forthright form when discussing the past, present, and future of Western institutions.
Jun 27, 2023 • 46min
Lord (Charles) Powell recalls his service as Margaret Thatcher’s closest advisor | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Lord (Charles) Powell recalls his service as Margaret Thatcher’s closest advisor during her three historic premierships.
4 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 45min
Defending Democracy: The Life’s Work of George Robertson | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Lord (George) Robertson, Former Secretary-General of NATO, discusses the importance of studying history, understanding tensions in the Balkans, Scottish nationalism, the creation of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force, the significance of aircraft carriers, and the role of NATO in Western security. They also analyze Putin's views on Ukraine and his historical delusion.
7 snips
May 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
Alexander Downer’s Continual Crisis Management | Secrets Of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Alexander Downer, the longest serving Australian foreign minister, shares his experience in crisis management, including during 9/11. Topics discussed include Australian history and Indigenous debates, the decision behind the Iraq War, the role of think tanks in politics, conformity in universities, and the potential impacts of the Battle of Trafalgar.
