Best Institute of Intellectual History Podcasts (2025)

1
From Competitive Authoritarian to Hegemonic: Berk Esen on the Decline of Turkish Democracy and the Prospects for Its Revival (Part 1) 37:14

5h ago37:14

37:14

In Part 1 of our latest edition in the special series in partnership with the Journal of Democracy, Berk Esen unpacks how Turkey’s competitive authoritarian regime is veering toward full autocracy. Drawing on his co-authored piece with Şebnem Gümüşçü, “How to Fight Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn” (July 2025, Vol. 36, No. 3), Esen charts Erdoğan’s inte…

1
Beauty and the Footnote: Universities and the Study of Literature 1:01:09

3d ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Stefan Collini, FBA. Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge. The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History.University of St Andrews. 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarde…

1
Holding Frontex Accountable – In Conversation with Joyce De Coninck 29:01

7d ago29:01

29:01

In current public discourse, human rights violationsat the EU’s borders are inextricably linked to one specific actor: the European Border and Coast Guard Agency – or, in short, Frontex. Since its establishment in 2004, human rights activists have become increasingly aware of variousrights violations committed by the agency, particularly in the Med…

1
The Aftermath of Poland’s Presidential Election – In Conversation with Maciej Kisilowski (Part 1) 42:13

7d ago42:13

42:13

On 1 June 2025, the second round of Poland’s presidential election resulted in a surprise win for Karol Nawrocki, backed by the right-wing populist Law and Justice party, over Warsaw’s liberal mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the ruling Civic Coalition. Trzaskowski had previously lost in 2020 to the incumbent President Andrzej Duda, albeit…

1
The Paradox of Dynastic Democracy: Richard Javad Heydarian on Current Developments in the Philippines, Sharpening Global Competition, and the Prospects of a Liberal-Progressive Breakthrough 36:47

9d ago36:47

36:47

In this new episode of our monthly special created in partnership with the Journal of Democracy, Richard Javad Heydarian discusses the Philippines’ dynastic democracy and political prospects in a truly global framework. Drawing on his recent article, “The Philippines’ Dynastic Democracy” (July 2025, Vol. 26, No. 3), Heydarian dissects the main issu…

1
Beauty and the Footnote: Universities and the Study of Literature 54:04

16d ago54:04

54:04

Stefan Collini, FBA.Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge. The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History.University of St Andrews.11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarded …

1
Beauty and the Footnote: Universities and the Study of Literature 1:06:10

24d ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Stefan Collini, FBA. Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge. The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History. University of St Andrews. 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regard…

1
Odious Debt: Bankruptcy, International Law, and the Making of Latin America

26d ago

—

In this episode, Derek van Voorst speaks with Dr Edward Jones Corredera, who is senior research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law and assistant lecturer at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (Madrid). The discussion focused on his recent book, Odious Debt: Bankruptcy, International La…

1
Friendship 56:58

1M ago56:58

56:58

The French philosopher Michel Foucault though friendship could be one of the most subversive relationships around. Our friends can be the most important people in our lives. But managing friendships can be hard work too. Matthew Sweet is joined by a psychotherapist, a historian, a philosopher, a literary historian, and a film critic to discuss the …

1
The Rise of Legislative Authoritarianism – In Conversation with Paolo Sosa-Villagarcia and Moisés Arce 28:20

1M ago28:20

28:20

In the latest episode of our special series produced in collaboration with the Journal of Democracy, Paolo Sosa-Villagarcia and Moisés Arce discuss the rise of legislativeauthoritarianism, compare it with more traditional forms of authoritarian rule, and explore its implications both in theory and in practice. Drawing on their co-authored article w…

1
Censorship, editing and self-censorship 57:07

1M ago57:07

57:07

Shahidha Bari looks at censorship, editing and self-censorship with guests including historian of China, Rana Mitter, Jemimah Steinfeld of Index on Censorship and Nigel Warburton, host of the Philosophy Bites podcast. Amelia Fairney discusses her research on sensitivity readers and the conversations that take place in publishing houses. And, Nicola…

1
Mapping Crisis Across Borders: Balázs Trencsényi on the Interwar Period, Intellectual History, and the Future of Democracy 1:03:09

1M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

In this episode of the Review of Democracy podcast, we speak with historian Balázs Trencsényi about his new book Intellectuals and the Crisis of Politics in the Interwar Period and Beyond: A Transnational History (OUP, 2025). Trencsényi offers a sweeping re-narration of modern European intellectual history through the lens of “crisis” — not only as…

1
#1. Richard Whatmore, can Intellectual History save liberty?

1M ago

—

Roots and Branches: First episode out now.Intellectual Historian Richard Whatmore (University of St Andrews) explains why the Enlightenment, 18th century republicanism and the history of free states matter for today’s global politics.Subscribe to Roots and Branches on Spotify or iTunes by visiting the Episode Website below.…

1
Curating Europe’s Memory: A Conversation with Simina Bădică about the House of European History 43:31

1M ago43:31

43:31

In this episode of Open Space(s) series, the Reviewof Democracy brings to your attention one of Europe’s most ambitious cultural institutions: the House of European History. Founded by the European Parliament in 2017 in Brussels, this unique institution explores Europe’s past from a transnational perspective and provides a platform for debating sha…

1
Introducing Roots and Branches

2M ago

—

Get ready for Roots and Branches, the new ideas podcast from the Institute of Intellectual History at the University of St Andrews. In this introductory episode, host Selma Sondern explains what Intellectual History is, why it matters, and what to expect when Roots and Branches launches on 1 July 2025 with Prof Richard Whatmore. Subscribe to the po…

1
Christian faith, politics and culture 56:21

2M ago56:21

56:21

Anne McElvoy and guests explore the intersections between Christian faith and political decision-making and look at some recent dramas which explore the impact of belief. Chine McDonald is director of the Christian Think Tank Theos, Mark Lawson is a writer, broadcaster and theatre critic of Catholic journal The Tablet, Prof Anna Rowlands is St Hild…

1
Reimagining Political Theory: A Global and Comparative Conversation 47:15

2M ago47:15

47:15

In this episode of the Review of Democracy podcast, Alexandra Medzibrodszky talks to Leigh Jenco and Paulina Ochoa Espejo—two of the three co-authors of the new textbook Political Theory: A Global and Comparative Introduction, published by SAGE. Co-authored with Murad Idris, this groundbreaking volume reimagines how political theory is taught and u…

1
Startup Democracy: Meritocracy and Gender in Bangalore, A Conversation with Hemangini Gupta 47:39

2M ago47:39

47:39

Startups have become one of the defining features of the 21st-century economy, celebrated as engines of innovation, meritocracy, and social mobility. Entrepreneurs—from Silicon Valley to Bangalore—are increasingly influential in shaping not just markets but also political discourse. Governments around the world areinvesting heavily in building star…

1
What Can We Say About God? An Interview with David Novak on God-Talk 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

This lecture is entitled "What Can We Say About God? An Interview with David Novak on God-Talk." It features Rabbi David Novak of the University of Toronto and Melanie Barrett of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and was presented on May 9th, 2025, at the University Club of ChicagoBy The Lumen Christi Institute

1
Christianity, Culture, and Sport: From Play to Virtue 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

This lecture is entitled "Christianity, Culture, and Sport: From Play to Virtue." It was delivered by Clark Power of the University of Notre Dame on April 24th, 2025, at the Butterfield Country Club.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
A Catholic Vision of Art: Beauty – The Highway to God 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

This lecture is entitled "A Catholic Vision of Art: Beauty – The Highway to God." It was delivered by Sarah Crow of Xavier University on May 14th, 2025, at the Ruth Lake Country ClubBy The Lumen Christi Institute

1
Language 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

Journalists Peter Hitchens and Oliver Kamm, radio presenter and comedian Ellis James, languages expert Ross Perlin, Diana Sutton director of The Bell Foundation and podcaster and academic Reetika Revathy Subramanian join Matthew Sweet for a conversation about how language unites and divides us. Ross Perlin's book Language City: The Fight to Preserv…

1
Shaping the Culture of a City: A Conversation with Bohdan Shumylovych 43:04

2M ago43:04

43:04

In this episode of Open Space(s), the Review of Democracy focuses on Lviv, where the Center for Urban Historyoffers a unique institutional model at the intersection between memory, space, and digital innovation. Founded in 2004 and located at 6 Bohomoltsia Street, Lviv, the Center for Urban History has become a vital node in public history and digi…

1
Can Courts Save Democracy? In Conversation with Samuel Moyn 25:39

2M ago25:39

25:39

Since the beginning of the year, the Trump administration has been trampling on different sectors of the U.S. state. Numerous commentators, both from the U.S. and abroad, have argued that the issue of a potential “constitutional crisis”—one that could pave the way for authoritarianism—essentially hinges on whether the government complies with court…

1
Failure 56:56

2M ago56:56

56:56

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." The words of Samuel Beckett from a 1983 short story Worstward Ho inspire a Free Thinking conversation about failure chaired by Matthew Sweet. His guests are:Cath Bishop rowed for Britain in the Olympics, winning a silver medal and worked as a diplomat and business coach. She …

1
Survival, Resistance and Readiness in Dark Times – Vincent Liegey on the Trajectory and Future of the Degrowth Movement 51:01

2M ago51:01

51:01

In this interview Review of Democracy political economy editor Kristóf Szombati speaks with Vincent Liegey— degrowth activist, essayist, lecturer and editorial advisor of the new Routledge Handbook of Degrowth — about the roots, trajectory, and challenges of the degrowth movement. Beginning with the rise of degrowth from activist origins in early 2…

1
Podcasting difficult histories 56:59

2M ago56:59

56:59

Personal Identity is at the heart of contemporary culture. Political philosophies are built around it and family history is a hobby undertaken by hundreds of thousands. Understanding where you came from is seen as central to understanding who you are. But what if the things that are uncovered are uncomfortable, upsetting or even life-changing? Matt…

1
Instrumentalization of Migration? - In Conversation with Nora Markard 39:01

2M ago39:01

39:01

In recent years, the EU’s increasingly right-leaning discourse on migration has given rise to a new narrative: the instrumentalization of migration. EU member states strivefor lower human rights standards, arguing that Belarus, under the authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko, deliberately sends individuals who have fled countries such as Afgha…

1
Can Democracy Deliver? Francis Fukuyama and Beatriz Magaloni on Performance, Legitimacy, and Public Trust 39:37

2M ago39:37

39:37

In the latest episode of our monthly special incooperation with the Journal of Democracy, Francis Fukuyama and Beatriz Magaloni discuss why democratic legitimacy increasingly hinges on governments’ ability to deliver tangible results. Drawing on their co-authored article with Chris Dann, “Delivering for Democracy: Why Results Matter” (April2025, Vo…

1
Common Sense 56:51

2M ago56:51

56:51

What do we mean by 'common sense'?In 1925 the philosopher GE Moore wrote a Defence of Common Sense which argued against philosophical idealism, on the grounds that it seemed to deny a set of propositions that he claimed were indisputably true. His colleague Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote a detailed response to Moore's paper, and its influence extended i…

1
Power: A User's Guide 57:00

2M ago57:00

57:00

Political power can take many forms, from the top-down model of the Roman Empire, to operating in the democratic politics of today, to the possibilities offered by new technologies for more horizontal power structures in the future. Matthew Sweet is joined on a stage at the Hay Festival by historian Tom Holland, whose new translation of Suetonius’ …

1
Care of Souls in Inquisition Spain 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

This lecture is entitled Care of Souls in Inquisition Spain.It was presented by Lu Ann Homza of the College of William & Mary on February 9, 2024, at the University of Chicago.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
America's Real Sister Act: The Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States 1:10:57

2M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

This lecture is entitled America's Real Sister Act: The Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States.It was presented by Shannen Dee Williams of the University of Dayton on April 27, 2023, at the University of Chicago's Swift Hall.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
The Story of Catholic Education: Renewing Our Schools, Renewing Our Culture 44:25

2M ago44:25

44:25

This lecture is entitled The Story of Catholic Education: Renewing Our Schools, Renewing Our Culture.It was presented by Michael Naughton of the University of St. Thomas on November 20, 2024, at the Ruth Lake Country Club.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
Catholicism: A Global History from the French Revolution to Pope Francis 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

This lecture is entitled Catholicism: A Global History from the French Revolution to Pope Francis.It was presented by John McGreevy of the University of Notre Dame on February 8, 2023, at the University of Chicago's Swift Hall.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
David vs. Goliath: Defeating Russian Autocracy 31:30

2M ago31:30

31:30

In the new episode of our monthly special in cooperation with the Journal of Democracy, Serhii Plokhii discusses the key aspects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the clash between democracy and autocracy. Serhii Plokhii, Mykhailo S. Hrushevs'kyi Professor of Ukrainian History and Director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at the Harvard University, an…

1
The Bond of All Creation: Renaissance Humanism and the Incarnate Word 47:00

3M ago47:00

47:00

This lecture is entitled The Bond of All Creation: Renaissance Humanism and the Incarnate Word.It was presented by Matthew Gaetano of Hillsdale College on May 15, 2024, at the Ruth Lake Country Club.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
What is Catholic Culture? 40:14

3M ago40:14

40:14

This lecture is entitled What is Catholic Culture?It was presented by Jennifer Newsome Martin of the University of Notre Dame on September 25, 2024, at the Ruth Lake Country Club.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
Ecumenical Panel on For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

This lecture is entitled Ecumenical Panel on For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church.It was presented by Aristotle Papanikolaou of Fordham University, William Schweiker of the University of Chicago, Stephen Meawad of Caldwell University, and Msgr. Peter Schallenberg of the Katholische Sozialwissenschaftliche Zentrals…

1
Rethinking Economic Inequality: a Theological Perspective 51:01

3M ago51:01

51:01

This lecture is entitled Rethinking Economic Inequality: a Theological Perspective.It was presented by Mary Hirschfeld of the University of Notre Dame and followed by response from Amir Sufi of the Booth School of Business on March 30, 2023, at the University of Chicago.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
Pro and Con: Does Faith Ignore Reason? 37:18

3M ago37:18

37:18

This lecture is entitled Pro and Con: Does Faith Ignore Reason?It was presented by Fr. Stephen Fields, SJ of Georgetown University on October 19, 2022, at Saint Ignatius Prep.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
A Marion Moment in Catholic Thought: A Conversation with Jean-Luc Marion and Ken Woodward 1:15:50

3M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

This lecture is entitled A Marion Moment in Catholic Thought: A Conversation with Jean-Luc Marion and Ken Woodward.It was presented by Jean-Luc Marion of the University of Chicago and Kenneth Woodward of the Lumen Christi Institute on May 31, 2022, at the Gavin House.By The Lumen Christi Institute

1
On the Dignity of Society: Catholic Social Teaching and Natural Law 48:58

3M ago48:58

48:58

This lecture is entitled On the Dignity of Society: Catholic Social Teaching and Natural Law.It was presented by Russell Hittinger of the Catholic University of America, R.H. Helmholz of the University of Chicago, and Mary Hirschfeld of the University of Notre Dame on November 7, 2024, at the University of Chicago's Swift Hall Common Room.…

1
Do We Know More than the Apostles? Or, Do Doctrines Develop? 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

This lecture is entitled Do We Know More than the Apostles? Or, Do Doctrines Develop?.It was presented by Lewis Ayres o on April 4, 2024, at the Magis Lecture Series.By The Lumen Christi Institute

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