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
5 snips
Oct 11, 2022 • 45min
Unwrapping the Enigma, Mystery and Riddle: Stephen Kotkin Explains Russia to Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Understanding the psyche of Russia and the Russians has bewildered Westerners for generations; foremost expert Stephen Kotkin gives some penetrating insights into how to do it.
Sep 28, 2022 • 40min
H. R. McMaster in Peace and War
H.R. McMaster, former National Security Adviser, discusses American mistakes in Vietnam, the importance of learning from the past, and analyzes the Russo-Ukrainian War. He also emphasizes the significance of teaching military history and understanding the evolution of the National Security Advisor position. Lastly, he explores the Battle of Saratoga and its impact on American independence.
Sep 6, 2022 • 39min
How History Shaped Dr. Condoleezza Rice
Dr. Condoleezza Rice discusses her upbringing and love for history. She reflects on the civil rights struggle and the impact of President Kennedy's assassination. The podcast explores predecessors in her role, the influence of slavery and race on American history, Putin's historical perspective on Ukraine, and the role of individuals and forces in shaping history.
Jul 1, 2022 • 53min
The Statecraft and Spycraft of MI6’s former Chief
Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove discusses the impact of Kim Philby's treachery, Cold War victories against the KGB, the influence of fictional spies on British intelligence, the UK's role in European intelligence, and a historical counterfactual scenario involving Hitler and the atom bomb.
Jun 13, 2022 • 34min
The Historical Heritage of Bibi Netanyahu
Bibi Netanyahu grew up in a household in which historical discussion and debate was constant, as his father was a distinguished professional historian. Here he discusses what effect the past has had on his life and career.
Jun 1, 2022 • 44min
Seventy Years on the Throne: Robert Hardman Explains Queen Elizabeth II’s Statecraft
On the occasion of her unprecedented platinum jubilee, Queen Elizabeth’s biographer and star Daily Mail reporter Robert Hardman discusses her use of soft power in Britain’s unwritten constitution.
May 16, 2022 • 58min
Peter Robinson on the Art of Writing Ronald Reagan’s Speeches
Ronald Reagan was famously known as the Great Communicator. But who helped the Great Communicator communicate? One of them was Hoover Institution Research Fellow Peter Robinson, who wrote Reagan's “Tear Down This Wall” speech — one of the most famous speeches of the twentieth century. If you have ever been asked to deliver a speech in public (or even if you haven’t), listen to a master of the genre Peter Robinson speak of the humor, honesty, and honing involved in writing over 150 speeches for a U.S. President.
Apr 27, 2022 • 29min
The Influence of the Past on President Iván Duque of Colombia
In his struggle against the FARC guerrilla movement and his efforts to transform Colombia economically, President Iván Duque has had advisors at his side who include Simon Bolivar and Winston Churchill.
Apr 11, 2022 • 23min
Dambisa Moyo Finds Echoes of the Gilded Age
Zambian-born and Harvard- and Oxford-educated economist Dambisa Moyo is the author of several important books on the interaction between finance and statecraft. Here she examines America’s Gilded Age, and finds a surprising number of comparisons with our own.
Mar 31, 2022 • 1h 14min
A Masterclass In History from Dr. Henry Kissinger
How does having made history affect one’s view of the past? The wry yet still spry 98-year-old Henry Kissinger talks about Richard Nixon, Clemens von Metternich, the Chinese view of the 19th century, why Russia invaded Ukraine, and the influence of history on his life and career.
