The EI Podcast

Dive into the fascinating world of Mick Herron’s Slough House series. Explore how spy fiction artfully blends reality and invention. Discover the compelling details that create suspense, alongside the peculiar lives of MI5's misfits. Unpack the meaning of betrayal in the realm of espionage and the moral weight of loyalty embodied by Jackson Lamb. Learn how Herron’s narrative resonates with modern British life, revealing societal flaws while showcasing the surprising competence of the so-called 'slow horses' when given real missions.

In this engaging conversation, historian Stephen Kotkin, renowned for his work on Stalin, discusses the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its historical roots. He argues that Ukraine's destruction could be seen as a Russian victory strategy. Kotkin emphasizes the limits of sanctions and the importance of targeting Putin's elite to destabilize his regime. He also proposes a Nordic-Baltic alliance to enhance military cooperation in Europe and cautions about the risks of major powers navigating their rivalries without escalating violence.

Why do people the world over enjoy listening to songs sung in French? Critic Muriel Zagha illuminates the living tradition of French chanson. Image: Juliette Gréco, the French actress and singer. Credit: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Explore the centuries-old dilemma surrounding attention and presence. The impact of smartphones on our focus raises questions about awareness and social consequences. Findings suggest no significant harm from screen time on children's brains. Mindfulness techniques linked to Stoicism are examined, highlighting their potential for anxiety relief. Montaigne's critiques and insights into imagination illuminate our quest for meaning. Ultimately, attention isn't lost; it's just aimed at trivial distractions, with a simple remedy found in the beauty of the world around us.

Historian David Cowan explains how radical reform can reshape the state. Read by Leighton Pugh.Image: A political caricature, 'Political Dreams, Visions of Peace, Perspective Horrors', by James Gillray of Pitt the Younger. Credit: INTERFOTO / Alamy Stock Photo

David Omand, former director of GCHQ and seasoned British intelligence official, reflects on how tech has remade spying. He compares fiction to modern tradecraft. He explores AI for pattern recognition, digital footprints that endanger clandestine work, satellites and Starlink in conflict, and the push for agencies to partner with industry and academia.

Jonathan Esty, a PhD student at Johns Hopkins and historian of American foreign policy and Southeast Asia. He traces French colonial history in Indochina and the shift from guerrilla to conventional war. They explore Ho Chi Minh’s missed diplomatic chances, portrayals of imperial styles, and how Greene frames the novel as a murder mystery and moral allegory.

Samuel Rubinstein, a historian specializing in ideological narratives, delves into the manipulation of Charlemagne's legacy by Nazi historiographers. He discusses how they transformed Charlemagne from a revered king into a controversial symbol to enhance Hitler's image. The conversation highlights the distortion and rebranding of historical figures in Nazi propaganda and the ongoing debates about Charlemagne's legacy in post-war Europe. Rubinstein also reflects on how these interpretations continue to influence contemporary historical perspectives.

Discover the roots of political distrust as experts discuss the critical importance of sound judgment in leadership. Dive into the complexities of political decision-making, distinguishing true leadership from mere expertise. The conversation highlights the need for leaders who embrace responsibility and navigate uncertainty with moral character. A renewed appreciation for the nobility of political life calls for conviction over codification, emphasizing the essential qualities that define effective leadership in today's world.

Journalist Duncan Weldon reveals how liberal capitalist economies adapt to total war. Read by Leighton Pugh.Image: Second World War-era British propaganda. Credit: Venimages / Alamy Stock Photo