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
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Twilight of Democracy
Helen's History of Ideas
James Meek on Healthcare: from WHO to NHS
Brexit in the Age of Covid
Burma's Hidden History
Britain Wrestles with its Past
American Fascism: Then and Now
Police State USA
What Just Happened at the New York Times?
Matt Forde
Facts vs Opinions
Dan Snow on Covid History (and Cummings)
Bread, Cement, Cactus
Europe Blows Up
Labour and Brexit: Beyond the Crisis
Ebola, COVID and the WHO
David Miliband on the Crisis
History of Ideas: Wollstonecraft on Sexual Politics
History of Ideas: Hobbes on the State
What's Happening in Italy Now?
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