Past Present Future

The History of Ideas Podcast

Author: David Runciman

Language: en

Genres: History, News, Politics

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

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Trump-like Leadership in German History w/Chris Clark: Part 1 – Kaiser Wilhelm II?
Episode 238
Saturday, 15 November, 2025

Today’s episode is the first of a two-part conversation with historian Chris Clark exploring how German history might help us understand Trump-like leadership, but not through looking at the Nazi period. Instead, David and Chris explore the character and leadership style of Kaiser Wilhelm II, a monarch with many Trumpian qualities. Was Wilhelm a populist or an elitist? Did he know what he was doing and what he was saying? Or was he out of his depth? Plus, how did his maverick and mercurial behaviour impact on those around him trying to run the country - and how did it help lead his country to ruin? Next time on Trump-like leadership in German History: Chancellor, Tyrant, Emperor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices