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

Articles

How One Lawyer Freed Thousands From Castro’s Cuba

James Donovan proved that patience, respect, and even a fishing rod could accomplish what military force could not.

October 16, 2026

Podcasts

Can America Still Govern Itself? With Lanhee Chen

Hoover Institution fellow Lanhee Chen on why good policy so often fails politically.

October 20, 2026

Articles

A Headstrong (And Effective) Green Mountain Boy

Ethan Allen, at times “imprudent,” was a timely leader for a country of action.

October 15, 2026