What Thucydides Can Teach Us About Politics And War

Everyone quotes Thucydides—but are we getting him right? Historian Andrew Novo joins Andrew Roberts to explore what the chronicler of Athens and Sparta really tells us about war, democracy, ambition, and human nature. From the disastrous invasion of Sicily to today’s rivalry between America and China, they examine how leaders wield power, how democracies lose their way, and why history’s most memorable lines can teach the wrong lessons when stripped of context.

Cast

Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts

Andrew Novo

Andrew Novo

Related

Videos

Innovations In The Payments System

OECD Chief Economist Stefano Scarpetta joins Steve to discuss innovations in the payments system and what it means for transaction costs and financial stability.

October 2, 2026

Thomas Sowell’s Impact On Economics

How Thomas Sowell used economic history, evidence, and storytelling to challenge conventional wisdom and bring economics to the public.

October 1, 2026

Videos

AI And The Euro-Area Economy

Steven Davis catches up with ECB Executive Board Member Philip Lane for a conversation about AI’s impact on Euro-area economies.

September 30, 2026