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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

The Starmer Crisis in Historical Perspective – Part 1

17 May 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Today it’s the first of two episodes in which we try to make sense of what’s happening in British politics with a bit of historical perspective: how did we arrive at the current crisis and what might come next? David talks to five experts to get their perspectives on the seemingly endless chaos and the deeper causes that lie behind it. You’ll hear from historians Robert Saunders, Anthony Seldon and David Klemperer along with Hannah White from the Institute for Government and political scientist Rob Ford. How did it all go so wrong for Keir Starmer so quickly? Is this about his failings or is there something much bigger going on?

Out now on PPF+: the second part of David’s conversation with Sarah O’Connor in which they discuss what happens when humans and machines work together: do they become more like us or do we become more like them? To get this and all our bonus episodes plus ad-free listening sign up to PPF+ now https://www.ppfideas.com/join-ppf-plus

You can find out everything you need to know about this podcast – who we are, what we do, plus merch, events and full lists of all episodes including PPF+ bonus episodes on our website https://www.ppfideas.com

Next Time: The Starmer Crisis in Historical Perspective Part 2 – What Comes Next?

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More episodes

Where Are We Going? The Future Of Work

13 May 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Live Film Special: The Third Man w/Misha Glenny

10 May 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Now & Then with Robert Saunders: The General Strike @100 Part 2

6 May 2026

00:00 / 01:04

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