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The uses and misuses of history in politics

Some politicians often use historical analogies to help explain contemporary events. But might they have misunderstood some of British history's most famous moments?

Barely a day passes when an MP doesn鈥檛 reach for an historical analogy to help explain contemporary events. But to what extent do the Battle of Agincourt and World War II really help us better understand what鈥檚 happening now? Edward Stourton asks if there is a danger that some politicians might have misunderstood some of the best known moments in Britain鈥檚 history?

Guests:
Professor David Abulafia (Emeritus, University of Cambridge)
Professor Anne Curry (Emeritus, University of Southampton)
Professor Neil Gregor (University of Southampton)
Professor Ruth Harris (University of Oxford)
Professor Andrew Knapp (Emeritus, University of Reading)
Professor Andrew Roberts (Visiting, King鈥檚 College London)
Professor Robert Tombs (University of Cambridge)

Producer: Ben Cooper
Editor: Jasper Corbett

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 Nov 2019 21:30

Broadcasts

  • Mon 11 Nov 2019 20:30
  • Sun 17 Nov 2019 21:30

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