We talk to the historian Niall Ferguson about the politics of catastrophe, from pandemics and famines to world wars and climate change. Have we been worrying about the right things? Why have some countries done so much better than others with Covid? And what can history teach us about the worst that can happen? Plus, how likely is it that a cold war between the US and China turns hot?
Talking Points:
Niall argues that COVID is more like the Asian flu in ‘57/’58 than the 1918/1919 Spanish flu.
When we’re trying to assess the political impact of a disaster, the body count is not the most important thing.
What did we get wrong about the COVID response?
The distinction between natural and manmade disasters is a false one.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Further Learning:
And as ever, recommended reading curated by our friends at the LRB can be found here: lrb.co.uk/talking
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/talkingpolitics.
New Podcast: These Times
New Podcast: Where Are You Going?
New Podcast: Past Present Future
Finale
Helen Thompson/Disorder
The Meaning of Macron
The Meaning of Boris Johnson
Putin’s Next Move
The Next Big Thing
American Civil War?
Two Topics for 2022
Boris: The Ghost of Christmas Present
1848 and All That
Supply Chains, Inflation & the Metaverse
Where is China Heading?
Climate Ambition vs Energy Reality
Hilary Mantel
Free with Lea Ypi
German Lessons
Shutdown/Confronting Leviathan
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free