Where Politics Meets History cover art

Where Politics Meets History

Where Politics Meets History

By: Global
Listen for free

About this listen

 Join broadcaster Iain Dale and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop as they take a fresh look at the biggest news of the week - through the lens of history. Because nothing is ever truly new, and history has a habit of repeating itself. With wit, insight, and the occasional good-natured row, Iain and Tessa explore how today’s headlines echo the past, unearthing fascinating stories and unexpected parallels. Expect sharp analysis, engaging debate, and plenty of laughs along the way. Subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts. For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.comCopyright Global Radio Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • 116. Vetting Away With It

    116. Vetting Away With It
    Apr 17 2026

    Iain and Tessa discuss the PM's new crisis over Mandelson - and whether it's a Westminster village story (Tessa thinks so!) - they also talk about the decline in reading, welfare vs warfare and more!
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • 115. The Man Who Sold the War

    115. The Man Who Sold the War
    Apr 14 2026

    Iain and Tessa discuss whether men are more prone to start wars than women, Trump's planned blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - and the historical parallel to the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary and more!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 114. No Orbán, No Cry

    114. No Orbán, No Cry
    Apr 10 2026

    Iain and Tessa talk the ceasefire under stress in Iran, whether JD Vance is hurting Viktor Orbán's chances in this weekend's election in Hungary, the dying art of letter-writing and more!
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Sensible, yet trivial
Moral, yet vulgar
The great Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss major events of the day from the point of view of two friends who can disagree with mutual respect.
Unmissable

A weekly treat.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Iain and Jacqui are THE original disagreeing agreeably podcast hosts - interesting perspectives on serious stuff with regular belly laughs and chuckles too.

Terrific mix of the serious and fun

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You will hear very little (if any) right wing political opinion from Ian Dale to balance Jacqui Smith's left wing views. It's basically a party political broadcast on behalf of the Labour Party which is a shame as Ian claims to have been a Thatcherite in his day. People tend to move rightward as they get on a bit but not this guy.

A bit more balance would be good but I'm still listening after a few years, mostly for their non-political banter which is priceless.

The is a party political broadcast by the Labour Party

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.