Lessons of History for a Post-COVID America

Published May 18, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic spread like wildfire and left devastation in its wake. While disasters are inherently hard to predict, there are lessons we should learn from the worldwide response to the coronavirus. Niall Ferguson talks about how to handle the next crisis better and avoid future catastrophes.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do we better manage future pandemics?
  2. What’s the most important lesson we’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Additional Resources:

  • Read Niall Ferguson’s latest book, Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe. Available here.
  • Niall Ferguson discusses his new book and the decisions made by governments and public health officials around the world during the COVID pandemic. Available here.
  • Listen as Niall Ferguson takes a historical look at past disasters and their aftermaths. Available here.

Cast

Sir Niall Ferguson

Sir Niall Ferguson

Related

Videos

Trump's Supreme Court Wins and Losses

The Supreme Court has struck down some of President Trump’s most consequential policies while upholding others that expand presidential authority. From birthright citizenship to tariffs and regulatory agencies, these rulings reveal how the Court defines the constitutional limits of executive power.

October 23, 2026

Articles

The Method To Trump’s Foreign Policy Madness

To understand Trump’s approach to Ukraine, Iran, and China, look to Richard Nixon. The president’s instinct for superpower dealmaking reflects a hard-nosed realism, backed by the American economy.

October 23, 2026

Articles

The Factory Outside Phoenix That Could Save American Manufacturing

On July 5 the Northwest Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix opened its weekly Mandarin service with a verse from the Old Testament. A pianist, a guitarist and a drummer prepared to lead the 100 congregants in song. 

October 23, 2026