Past Present Future
David Runciman
Past Present Future is a bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, host and creator of Talking Politics, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology. David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and many others about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter.
Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.
New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
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Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.
New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code ppf at the link below and get 60% off annual plans: https://incogni.com/ppf
Episodes
Mentioned books
59 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 59min
Talking Geopolitics with Helen Thompson: The Weirdness of American Power Part 2
Helen Thompson, political economist specializing in geopolitics and international political economy, breaks down why American power feels strange today. She discusses US-China competition, Greenland and Arctic strategic tensions, territorial politics and Trump’s place in long-term trends. Energy transitions, shale, and resource contests reshaping global alignments also feature prominently.
64 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 57min
Talking Geopolitics with Helen Thompson: The Weirdness of American Power
Helen Thompson, political economist and writer on geopolitics and energy, explores why US power feels so strange. She traces the geographic oddity of a Western-hemisphere hegemon. She discusses continental expansion, resource drivers like oil and guano, migration and slavery, federalism’s foreign policy effects, and the role of violence and contingency in America’s rise.
17 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 58min
Politics on Trial: The Trial and Execution of Saddam Hussein
In a compelling discussion, historian Glen Rangwala delves into the intricacies of Saddam Hussein's trial and execution. He reveals the early U.S. plans for Saddam and the decision-making process behind the charges brought against him. Rangwala critiques how the trial became a tool for U.S. interests rather than a quest for justice, examining its impact on Iraq's sectarian tensions. He also highlights the competing narratives of victimhood among different Iraqi groups, shedding light on the complexities of accountability in post-Saddam Iraq.
66 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 1h 18min
Politics on Trial: O. J. Simpson vs the Evidence
The 1995 O.J. Simpson trial becomes a lens into America's power dynamics. The prosecution's failure to connect with the jury, coupled with overwhelming evidence, complicated the outcome. Racial divides played a crucial role, as did celebrity culture and missteps by the prosecution. The media circus surrounding the trial influenced public perception significantly. The discussion draws parallels between the trial's implications and the rise of Donald Trump, highlighting how societal biases and celebrity can distort justice.
10 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 1min
Politics on Trial: The Gang of Four vs the New China
Delve into the gripping Gang of Four trial that captivated 1980s China. Explore how the court tried to pin the horrors of the Cultural Revolution on Mao's followers while deliberately exonerating Mao himself. Witness Jiang Qing's defiant outbursts challenging the proceedings, as her dramatic performance reflects deep-seated tensions. The podcast also examines the pivotal role of televised coverage, transforming the trial into a national spectacle that sparked widespread public discourse. Discover how this trial symbolized a new direction for China's political landscape.
21 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 1h 1min
Politics on Trial: Muhammad Ali vs. the Draft
Dive into the epic showdown between Muhammad Ali and the US government over the draft during the Vietnam War. Explore Ali's conscientious objector claim and how it highlighted critical issues of race, religion, and power. Learn about the Supreme Court's surprising unanimous decision in his favor, the legal strategies that shaped his case, and how his refusal to serve transformed him into a cultural icon. Reflect on how this victory altered his legacy yet somewhat depoliticized his public image.
9 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 57min
Now & Then with Robert Saunders: Home Rule for Ireland! - The Kite
Join historian Robert Saunders, an expert in modern British and Irish history, as he unpacks the tumultuous politics of Irish Home Rule in the mid-1880s. Discover how the Hawarden Kite ignited a crisis, splitting the Liberal party and threatening civil war. Saunders explores Gladstone's moral mission, the ambiguous meaning of 'Home Rule', and the underestimated Ulster problem. Fascinating parallels to Brexit are drawn, showcasing how both issues redefined political identities and alliances in Britain.
Jan 4, 2026 • 1h
Films of Ideas extra: The Designated Mourner
Dive into the world of Wallace Shawn's The Designated Mourner as it transforms into a prophetic text for contemporary times. Explore how Shawn’s journey through Central America altered his perspective on U.S. foreign policy. The play's three characters mirror our current political landscape, with a tension between mocking empathy and its necessity. Delve into how past complacency warned us of future dangers and discover parallels with today's technology-driven regime. The discussion culminates in art's ability to prophesy societal shifts.
39 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 4min
Films of Ideas: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind w/Beeban Kidron
Beeban Kidron, a renowned film director and advocate for children's rights, delves into Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. They explore profound themes like the relationship between memory and identity, questioning whether erasing pain can ever lead to authentic intimacy. Kidron highlights the film's prescient critique of technology's impact on relationships and the commodification of memory. They also discuss how personal memories contrast with today's data-driven environments, emphasizing the emotional costs of living in a curated digital world.
12 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 59min
Films of Ideas: Wittgenstein w/Nikhil Krishnan
Nikhil Krishnan, a writer and philosopher renowned for his insights on 20th-century philosophy, dives into the film 'Wittgenstein' by Derek Jarman. He explores the intricacies of Ludwig Wittgenstein's life and philosophy, pondering whether biography informs thoughts or vice versa. Krishnan highlights Wittgenstein's appeal to poets and artists and discusses themes of alienation, asceticism, and his therapeutic view of philosophy. The conversation also critiques myths surrounding his relationships and legacy while emphasizing the enduring impact of his ideas.
