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David Runciman

The History of Ideas Podcast
with David Runciman

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A bi-weekly podcast exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, science to fiction.

Latest episode

Politics on Trial: A History of Lawfare

18 May 2025

00:00 / 01:04

To introduce our new series about historic political trials – from Socrates to Marine Le Pen – David explores what makes political confrontations in a court of law so fascinating and so revealing. Why do even the worst of dictators still want to play by the rules? What happens when realpolitik and legal principles collide? How does the political system often find itself in the dock? Who wins and who loses in the great game of lawfare?

Out now: a new bonus episode on PPF+ where David tries to answer your questions about Trump and the international order. Sign up now to get this and all our bonus episodes plus ad-free listening https://www.ppfideas.com/join-ppf-plus

Next time in Politics on Trial: Socrates vs Democracy



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More episodes

Ideas of Globalisation: What’s Gone Wrong? w/Dani Rodrik

15 May 2025

00:00 / 01:04

Ideas of Globalisation: The Crisis of the 1970s (and Trump!)

11 May 2025

00:00 / 01:04

Ideas of Globalisation: Central Banks vs the People (and Trump!)

8 May 2025

00:00 / 01:04

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