A Historian of the Future: Five More Questions for Stephen Kotkin

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  • Опубликовано: 26 апр 2024
  • Recorded on February 10th, 2023.
    Historian Stephen Kotkin became the Kleinheinz Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution in 2022. He taught at Princeton for more than 30 years, and is the author of nine works of history, including the first two volumes of his biography of Joseph Stalin, Paradoxes of Power, 1878 to 1928 and Waiting for Hitler, 1929 to 1941. He is now completing the third and final volume. Since the war in Ukraine broke out a year ago, Kotkin has appeared regularly on Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to offer his unique perspective on the Russian aggression and answer five questions for us. This is the third installment.
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Комментарии • 553

  • @ActFast
    @ActFast Год назад +687

    I wish you would have Stephen Kotkin on every week! The world needs him right now. 🌍

  • @colt45acp1000
    @colt45acp1000 Год назад +182

    I taught German language for 47 years. I tried to weave into it history and culture. As time progressed, I became aware of how political the teaching of history had become. How does one teach history honestly in the current hyper political environment?

    • @noahway13
      @noahway13 10 месяцев назад +8

      Each era had its political environment that discouraged any opposition. The change is, this seems to be a headless monster. The whole of society has a phobia about anyone saying anything 'negative' about them. And there is not one person you can pin on this "McCarthyism"

    • @ericposey-vt5ej
      @ericposey-vt5ej 9 месяцев назад +26

      very late reply, but I think it's a mistake to expect history to be seperate from politics, because politics is part of history (integral part). The key is to have the bravery (or foolhardiness) to speak honestly regardless of the political landscape. To speak truth to power. And that also requires the bravery to both be wrong and accept being wrong.

  • @izaryterska3024
    @izaryterska3024 Год назад +93

    Talks with Stephen Kotkin, I always watch two to three times, savouring his understanding of the world. Absolute treat! Thanx for that.

  • @martijnlukas4225
    @martijnlukas4225 Год назад +62

    It's absolutely amazing to hear these great minds. The sheer knowledge of Professor Kotkin and the astonishing interviewing skills of Peter Robinson are a great joy to listen to. As someone else mentioned before; setting up the table, a warm cup of tea and a blanket of wisdom. I have shared the link with many friends and peers already.

  • @JagadanandaDas
    @JagadanandaDas 11 месяцев назад +38

    Excellent questioning. I like that quotations and asking a succinct question that requires a broad base. And then lets him talk. Peter Robinson is one of the best interviewers.

    • @JagadanandaDas
      @JagadanandaDas 11 месяцев назад +2

      And Kotkin is so clear in his explanations.

  • @davidfutcher9609
    @davidfutcher9609 Год назад +145

    I'm stunned! This is my first time listening to Kotkin, and what an amazingly insightful person he is. He doesn't come off as being left wing or right wing, just reality-based. I was fortunate enough to have had an amazing teacher who understood history and what its power really was, not memorizing dates, which installed a love of history that is still with me some 50 years later.

    • @pondacres
      @pondacres 10 месяцев назад +1

      I could relate, I had a hs history teacher like that too.

  • @johnpayne7873
    @johnpayne7873 Год назад +138

    Peter Robinson's gift is he knows how to set a cozy table; how to make intricate topics go down smoothly with delicious confections and warm tea.
    Stephen Kotkins' talent is the knows how to work the announcer's box in a ballgame; how to read the man on the mound as outfield mills around, able to pick each one out and name what's distracting them.
    My complements to you both.
    A very satisfying visit. Please do it again, soon.

  • @Mr.Altavoz
    @Mr.Altavoz 11 месяцев назад +36

    I wish he had a RUclips channel... it's such a pleasure to hear this professor talking about any subjects✌️🇨🇱

  • @davidlcaldwell
    @davidlcaldwell Год назад +190

    I am a Huge Stephen Kotkin fan. Please have him on more often. We need his Wisdom and Humor.

  • @teamheartpower442
    @teamheartpower442 Год назад +37

    What I love about this guy is that he sounds exactly like Joe Pesci, it's like I'm getting a history lesson by the mob.

    • @liechinmannorman5140
      @liechinmannorman5140 11 месяцев назад

      He looks like Pesci's twin and his credibility is in doubt with his interpretation of the war in Ukraine.

  • @davidcollins7556
    @davidcollins7556 Год назад +57

    Excellent survey of the Ukrainian situation. This Chanel is the jewel of RUclips.

  • @ay2052
    @ay2052 11 месяцев назад +51

    What a marvelous human being- learned, sensible, rational, decent, humility

  • @ukraina91
    @ukraina91 Год назад +53

    I'm a simple man, I see a Stephen kotkin video, I automatically like it!

  • @aryaasya546
    @aryaasya546 Год назад +12

    This is one of the best political interviews I have ever seen. Thanks Prof. Kotkin.

  • @Bigspli
    @Bigspli Год назад +76

    I love this guy he explains complex ideas that can easily be digested

    • @doscassette871
      @doscassette871 11 месяцев назад +5

      If you cannot explain a complex concept in plain terns you don't understand it

  • @cichociemny247
    @cichociemny247 Год назад +25

    Stephen Kotkin is an intellectual badass. Best wishes from Poland ;)

  • @thor.odinson.
    @thor.odinson. Год назад +443

    Pesci *ahem* Kotkin is a true realist not a fatalist like Kissinger or Mearsheimer. The best thing about Stephen Kotkin is he can answer any question no matter how trivial or complex and the perspective from which he sees the world is always fresh and exciting, every answer has some golden nugget of knowledge that is an absolute pleasure to learn. I'd love to see him talking about Ukraine with Timothy Snyder, the brilliance and the IQ in that dialogue would be breathtaking...

    • @warrenny
      @warrenny 10 месяцев назад

      Pesci. Nice. Was thinking same.
      This is one of my favorite interviews on this channel. Really like Stephen Kotkin.

    • @michaelh3857
      @michaelh3857 10 месяцев назад

      He is a fan, advocate of military might as the exercised by the United States. He does not know who the Russians are....He says nothing of the Victoria Nuland power grab....He has never been to war...a historian full of hot air.

  • @bigtone667
    @bigtone667 Год назад +315

    I love the fact that Stephen describes current situations in a basic descriptive way (no word olympics). The 10 bedroom house versus the 1000 bedroom house just makes sense.
    A lot of great questions as well.

  • @edwardwong654
    @edwardwong654 9 месяцев назад +4

    Stephen kotlin is wonderful to listen to, His son is a fellow high school alum.

  • @Qcqful
    @Qcqful Год назад +51

    Stephen is a diamond.
    Polished one at that.
    Trully rare.

  • @tdschetzle6898
    @tdschetzle6898 Год назад +179

    Okay, it took me 2 days to absorb this presentation. I have to say it's one of the best presentations I have ever seen on several subjects: Ukraine, Russia, China, Taiwan and a quick reference to the American system's self correcting abilities. Well done, gentlemen, and thank you so much!

  • @UNATCOHanka
    @UNATCOHanka Год назад +35

    Another great interview with Kotkin. I didn't even notice that 1½ hours have passed so thumbs up to Peter and Stephen.

  • @billhayward1585
    @billhayward1585 Год назад +8

    I'm less worried about our world after watching this interview. Thank you.

  • @cecillekinnear4585
    @cecillekinnear4585 8 месяцев назад +6

    I'm fascinated by the topic of authoritarian governance. Steven gets to the heart of the matter.

  • @lynngilbert1596
    @lynngilbert1596 9 месяцев назад +18

    When I went through Stanford, Western Civ was a required course lasting 9 months. It was largely intellectual history, readings of important writers. My idea today would be to require a year of SOME area’s history but allow choice among the Americas, Asia, Africa, or Europe. We need a wider view than just the US or Europe.

  • @hamburgerjoe4401
    @hamburgerjoe4401 Год назад +229

    He really breaks it down in a clearer way than I think anyone else.

  • @user-xh4ql9sl3m
    @user-xh4ql9sl3m Год назад +71

    This is the most enlightening interview I’ve seen in a very long while. Thank you to you both.

  • @Pie-qs4yg
    @Pie-qs4yg 11 месяцев назад +6

    Wow what a brilliant mind, this man needs to be an adviser to our political leaders.

  • @aftabnaveed
    @aftabnaveed 11 месяцев назад +33

    It is always a pleasure to listen to such a great intellectual and Peter Robinson is such a great host who never will interrupt his guest.

  • @danielramon962
    @danielramon962 11 месяцев назад +20

    Such an extraordinary, deep and substancial interview... really grateful indeed!

  • @MrMarccj
    @MrMarccj 2 месяца назад +2

    Steven Kotkin often leaves me gasping for breath.

  • @malsietah9403
    @malsietah9403 11 месяцев назад +10

    I always love and enjoy to listen to Stephen Kotkin

  • @Drumsgoon
    @Drumsgoon Год назад +10

    Always epic to hear him speak. Hope he finishes the triology!

  • @randomcommenteronyoutube1055
    @randomcommenteronyoutube1055 Год назад +19

    Stephen Kotkin? Drop everything in my life and watch as soon as possible.

  • @clairebaum
    @clairebaum 11 месяцев назад +2

    Please invite Professor Kotkin soon,we need him badly at the moment !

  • @mikisileoni
    @mikisileoni 11 месяцев назад +13

    Kotkin is so amazing, thank you!

  • @Ravenflight104
    @Ravenflight104 Год назад +64

    A fine display of balanced, rational intelligence. Thank you, gentlemen.

  • @stevefrayne
    @stevefrayne Год назад +18

    Thank you SO much for having THE BEST GUEST EVER on again. During the Ukraine war I really suggest you have him on every 1-2 months. His insight into everything Russia is peerless. He is a national treasure.
    Thank you, Dr. Kotkin for everything you do. We love you.

  • @Djaybird
    @Djaybird Год назад +74

    I remember watching these interviews a year ago. They are what kicked off nearly an entire year of watching and reading literally everything i can on russia/ukraine and geopolitics. Thank you!

  • @MagnusElpron
    @MagnusElpron Год назад +64

    Couldn't click faster !
    Can't get enough of Professor Kotkin, thank you

  • @annakrystynastankov3781
    @annakrystynastankov3781 Год назад +60

    More of Kotkin as often as possible pls. .. so so sane and thoughtful!!

  • @nathanngumi8467
    @nathanngumi8467 Год назад +63

    Very profound discussion! Prof. Kotkin is a rare breed of scholar and intellectual. I am not sure that with education standards dwindling in USA and elsewhere in the West another Kennan or Kissinger or Kotkin will be produced anytime soon.

  • @purplesheep99
    @purplesheep99 Год назад +188

    Always great to see Kotkin. Stephen is a superb guest. He should get his own show.

  • @swham1
    @swham1 11 месяцев назад +10

    This really is a special show. Uncommon Knowledge is a treasure.

  • @carolgiangreco6548
    @carolgiangreco6548 10 месяцев назад +7

    Bravo to an expert educator. Thank you.

  • @socrates6870
    @socrates6870 11 месяцев назад +6

    Aa a Central European I have much respect for this man...we need more man like him on both sides of the Atlantic to make Atlanticism work for future generations...

  • @user-lj2hd8in6t
    @user-lj2hd8in6t Год назад +25

    The best interview I ever see and hear in my life time. I am 75 this year. Thanks to both, as well as HT & CR.

  • @SnowBalling
    @SnowBalling Год назад +99

    I could listen to Stephen Kotkin speak for 10 hours straight. What a brilliant person he is.

  • @denillefleming2942
    @denillefleming2942 11 месяцев назад +7

    Kotkin has an astounding knowledge of history, and can weild it effectively!

  • @michaelross2107
    @michaelross2107 Год назад +28

    A truly fascinating discussion. I could have listened to several hours more of this. Thank you.

  • @littlebirdie2
    @littlebirdie2 11 месяцев назад +4

    Excellent! Bring him back for another enlightening round!

  • @vdove605
    @vdove605 9 месяцев назад +10

    Brilliant conversation gentlemen! Many thanks for sharing it with us!! ✨️

  • @nealljones
    @nealljones Год назад +126

    Let's do an interview twice a week with Kotkin. He's so terrific!!!

  • @briangaines3693
    @briangaines3693 11 месяцев назад +4

    Stephen’s house analogy sounds like a landlord’s worst nightmare

  • @iggle6448
    @iggle6448 Год назад +129

    Excellent interview Mr Robinson; excellent answers Prof Kotkin. You both have such erudition and insight.

  • @briancase6180
    @briancase6180 Год назад +126

    This show / interview series has both delighted me and infuriated me. That's just the way it should be! More Kotkin; I'm always interested in his perspective. Thanks!

  • @jordomayor5224
    @jordomayor5224 Год назад +7

    I think that these type of shows should be broadcasted all over the world and in every language possible.

  • @Octaviamorris77
    @Octaviamorris77 Год назад +13

    This man explained this war in almost 2 hours in detail and for a layman to understand. The media, newspapers and the US Government are still trying too explain it and make it make sense. This man is brilliant.

  • @lennyFeb01March04
    @lennyFeb01March04 Год назад +23

    Absolutely amazing! Nothing short of phenomenal. Thank you.

  • @lioicomestai3703
    @lioicomestai3703 Год назад +15

    Kotkin toppled my concept of hitory. When a talented historian display his narrative of main current affair, Kotkin lifted the topics with your intelligence and with pop culture taste that benefit the most.
    [谷歌翻譯] Kotkin 推翻了我的歷史概念。當一位才華橫溢的歷史學家展示他對主要時事的敘述時,科特金用他的智慧和最受益的流行文化品味來提升話題。

  • @geopietro
    @geopietro Год назад +178

    Great discussion. Intelligent. Insightful. Thought provoking. Thank you.

  • @martinneukomm8697
    @martinneukomm8697 Год назад +7

    95 views
    Thank you Professor Kotkin!

  • @evaburnz
    @evaburnz Год назад +24

    Kotkin is a marvel.

  • @paulmilligan3007
    @paulmilligan3007 Год назад +51

    Thank you. I find it hard to watch more than 15mins of anything on the internet and I watched all 1 hour 30 mins. Thank you both.

  • @motorhead4446
    @motorhead4446 Год назад +85

    You know ... I could sit here all day listening to Professor Kotkin. A big thanks to everyone who make clips like these possible

  • @tualastancil8534
    @tualastancil8534 Год назад +47

    It's always a joy listening to this great man of history thankyou professor best regards from Samoa.

  • @briancarl5566
    @briancarl5566 Год назад +4

    Huge fan - I've learned so much from Prof. Kotkin over the last year, and even read both of his Stalin books after being exposed to his work through these videos. Thank you and glad to hear he is with Hoover now full time!!!

  • @bofink5377
    @bofink5377 Год назад +7

    Thank You for this, the most sofisticated political discussion, that I almost ever have heard.

  • @6663000
    @6663000 Год назад +51

    Wow!
    I just rewatched the two previous conversations with Stephen Kotkin yesterday, and now there's finally a new one after like 11 months!
    I must be pretty lucky.

  • @HarryOrenstein
    @HarryOrenstein Год назад +14

    Prof. Kotkin articulates, what needs to be said
    ♡-felt
    Thank you

  • @eoinoconnell185
    @eoinoconnell185 11 месяцев назад +2

    Always one of my favourite guests

  • @tonysaldana5866
    @tonysaldana5866 11 месяцев назад +8

    Amazing information about history and current events. Really enjoyed listening.

  • @Alex.Kalashnik
    @Alex.Kalashnik Год назад +6

    Thank you so much for the excellent analysis on Ukraine!

  • @p.d.stanhope7088
    @p.d.stanhope7088 11 месяцев назад +2

    One of your best shows.

  • @suitnskull8255
    @suitnskull8255 11 месяцев назад +4

    What a fulfilling talk. Just brilliant!

  • @duggi4
    @duggi4 11 месяцев назад +5

    the problem is that the more you swipe and scroll through Social Media, the more you train your brain to FORGET instead of reading and imagining and training our brain to remember. The more people are hooked on Social Media the more they swallow whatever the screen feeds them not having the ability to remember the policies or world events of History.

  • @bobmathieson987
    @bobmathieson987 Год назад +66

    I love this guy Steven Kotkin in the same way a happy plant loves the sun.

  • @shad00w239
    @shad00w239 Год назад +50

    OK first of all - if you don't invite this man back I'm full on rioting 😂.
    On a more serious note, I've been watching a lot of geopoliticians and historians lately but this conversation has reminded me why I need to go back to being a full on - book reading and consuming - student of history. It's not for everyone, God knows its not for everyone, but for those of us that have a love for it, we cannot lose that. In whatever capacity we can muster, we are going to have to be the stewards for future society to steer away from the mistakes of past millennia. Technology and industry has changed and evolved at break neck speeds, but the human condition has remained constant throughout a remarkable span of time.
    We have to remember that we can give humanity new toys to play with, but they will always remain human. That is our greatest strength and our greatest weakness, and those of us who can study the human condition across history, can shepherd us into a future worth protecting. God Bless these Titan's of intellectual thought sharing their wisdom with the masses. These episodes are criminally under watched for such a crucial moment in history, but the information is nevertheless a breath of fresh air in a chaotic world where history is afoot, and times are changing.
    Thank you for these questions, thank you for committing to more, please come back soon, we are patiently waiting for the next episode. Until next time.

  • @bogdanbaudis4099
    @bogdanbaudis4099 Год назад +43

    The cost of the reconstruction of Ukraine may be also measured against the FUTURE size of Ukrainians economy. After all, not many expected post-WW2 Germany to end up as the economic powerhouse of Europe and many questioned the wisdom of the Marshall's Plan.

  • @christinezaslavsky647
    @christinezaslavsky647 Год назад +24

    So glad to see him joining the greats at Hoover!

    • @ridethecurve55
      @ridethecurve55 Год назад +5

      'They' are joining The Great (Stephen Kotkin)!

  • @assonancex
    @assonancex Год назад +33

    This was a truly awesome interview. Thank you chaps.

  • @chrishooge3442
    @chrishooge3442 Год назад +28

    History is better than fiction...well, maybe not science fiction. My love of history began in 7th grade when I found the Time Life Books about WWII in the school library. My learning began with those large picture books.
    I found that most people just don't take a historical perspective when they look at current issues or questions. Though, my kids roll their eyes when I say, "Well, if you take a historical perspective..."

  • @garbonomics
    @garbonomics Год назад +154

    Another great one Peter. Still up there with one of my favorite interview shows. Always fantastic guests with incredible insights.

  • @francretief1
    @francretief1 Год назад +3

    Wonderful. Thanks for letting Stephen talk with not many interruptions.

  • @Alexander-ef5hb
    @Alexander-ef5hb Год назад +8

    More like Stephen GOATkin - he is simply the best!! 🐐

  • @mr.majestic8713
    @mr.majestic8713 Год назад +22

    This was simply outstanding. 🤔🧐

  • @cavscout888
    @cavscout888 Год назад +33

    I liked this a lot. Definitely want to hear more from him!

  • @culmore170a
    @culmore170a 10 месяцев назад +3

    Wonderful questioner amazing professor. So educational

  • @denzelamarus5259
    @denzelamarus5259 Год назад +8

    Marvelous discussion

  • @ChrisSmith74627
    @ChrisSmith74627 Год назад +4

    Love Kotkin!!!

  • @MarkM001
    @MarkM001 Год назад +9

    That was really good! Thank you!

  • @rogeranderson8116
    @rogeranderson8116 Год назад +5

    Stephen Kotkin provides the most riveting analysis of the situation I've ever seen. Thanks to all for doing this! I hope someone would ask Mr. Kotkin to be Secretary of State.

  • @olya3391
    @olya3391 Год назад +4

    What a treat. Thank you very much.

  • @teddinardo8944
    @teddinardo8944 11 месяцев назад +2

    excellent show thank you

  • @fjauge2465
    @fjauge2465 Год назад +5

    If you take it you cant have it, but if you already dont have it and the other part has it, it looks like a win.

  • @ellenstoll7158
    @ellenstoll7158 Год назад +8

    Excellent!

  • @brianrajala7671
    @brianrajala7671 Год назад +7

    Stephen Kotkin is a remarkable guest, and Peter Robinson is a great host. Thanks!

  • @MAM1000W
    @MAM1000W Год назад +11

    Robinson sets up those questions so well!

  • @Bluedog4712
    @Bluedog4712 Год назад +8

    Loved every moment of this talk! What a truly amazing mind Stephen Kotkin has, every scenario, every situation and possible outcome unraveled and explained that every world leader should be paying attention to!

  • @homeschoolontheCroft
    @homeschoolontheCroft Год назад +13

    Clicked the 👍🏼 button before I even began to listen… we just know it’s going to be a wonderful listen with Mr Kotkin!