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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: The Trial and Execution of Saddam Hussein

21 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

For the final episode in this series David talks to historian and political scientist Glen Rangwala about the trial and execution of Saddam Hussein in 2006. What plans did the Americans have for Saddam before the Iraq war began? How was it decided what to charge him with once he had been captured? Did his trial exacerbate rather than overcome the sectarian divisions tearing Iraq apart? Was justice served?

Part 2 of this conversation, in which David and Glen discuss the circumstances of Saddam’s execution and the legacy of his fate for the politics of Iraq and the wider world, is available tomorrow on PPF+. To get this and all our bonus episodes plus ad-free listening sign up to PPF+ now https://www.ppfideas.com/join-ppf-plus

Next time: Talking Geopolitics with Helen Thompson – The Weirdness of American Power

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More episodes

Politics on Trial: O. J. Simpson vs the Evidence

18 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Politics on Trial: The Gang of Four vs the New China

14 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Politics on Trial: Muhammad Ali vs. the Draft

11 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

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