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

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  • Опубліковано 15 тра 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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КОМЕНТАРІ • 554

  • @ActFast
    @ActFast Рік тому +691

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

  • @thor.odinson.
    @thor.odinson. Рік тому +446

    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 11 місяців тому

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

    • @michaelh3857
      @michaelh3857 11 місяців тому

      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.

  • @colt45acp1000
    @colt45acp1000 Рік тому +186

    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 11 місяців тому +9

      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 10 місяців тому +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 Рік тому +93

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

  • @davidfutcher9609
    @davidfutcher9609 Рік тому +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 11 місяців тому +1

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

  • @teamheartpower442
    @teamheartpower442 Рік тому +40

    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 місяців тому +1

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

  • @martijnlukas4225
    @martijnlukas4225 Рік тому +63

    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.

  • @johnpayne7873
    @johnpayne7873 Рік тому +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.

  • @davidlcaldwell
    @davidlcaldwell Рік тому +190

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

  • @edwardwong654
    @edwardwong654 10 місяців тому +4

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

  • @SnowBalling
    @SnowBalling Рік тому +99

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

  • @ukraina91
    @ukraina91 Рік тому +54

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

  • @davidcollins7556
    @davidcollins7556 Рік тому +57

    Excellent survey of the Ukrainian situation. This Chanel is the jewel of UA-cam.

  • @Pie-qs4yg
    @Pie-qs4yg Рік тому +7

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

  • @cecillekinnear4585
    @cecillekinnear4585 9 місяців тому +6

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

  • @JagadanandaDas
    @JagadanandaDas Рік тому +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 Рік тому +2

      And Kotkin is so clear in his explanations.

  • @bigtone667
    @bigtone667 Рік тому +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.

  • @Mr.Altavoz
    @Mr.Altavoz Рік тому +36

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

  • @tdschetzle6898
    @tdschetzle6898 Рік тому +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!

  • @Bigspli
    @Bigspli Рік тому +76

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

    • @doscassette871
      @doscassette871 11 місяців тому +5

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

  • @ay2052
    @ay2052 Рік тому +51

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

  • @malsietah9403
    @malsietah9403 11 місяців тому +11

    I always love and enjoy to listen to Stephen Kotkin

  • @aryaasya546
    @aryaasya546 Рік тому +12

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

  • @stevefrayne
    @stevefrayne Рік тому +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.

  • @cichociemny247
    @cichociemny247 Рік тому +25

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

  • @hamburgerjoe4401
    @hamburgerjoe4401 Рік тому +229

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

  • @swham1
    @swham1 11 місяців тому +10

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

  • @Ravenflight104
    @Ravenflight104 Рік тому +64

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

  • @socrates6870
    @socrates6870 11 місяців тому +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...

  • @Drumsgoon
    @Drumsgoon Рік тому +10

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

  • @user-xh4ql9sl3m
    @user-xh4ql9sl3m Рік тому +71

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

  • @Qcqful
    @Qcqful Рік тому +51

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

  • @Djaybird
    @Djaybird Рік тому +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!

  • @danielramon962
    @danielramon962 11 місяців тому +20

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

  • @UNATCOHanka
    @UNATCOHanka Рік тому +35

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

  • @nealljones
    @nealljones Рік тому +126

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

  • @billhayward1585
    @billhayward1585 Рік тому +8

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

  • @aftabnaveed
    @aftabnaveed Рік тому +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.

  • @purplesheep99
    @purplesheep99 Рік тому +188

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

  • @lioicomestai3703
    @lioicomestai3703 Рік тому +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。

  • @randomcommenteronyoutube1055
    @randomcommenteronyoutube1055 Рік тому +19

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

  • @mikisileoni
    @mikisileoni 11 місяців тому +13

    Kotkin is so amazing, thank you!

  • @clairebaum
    @clairebaum Рік тому +2

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

  • @MrMarccj
    @MrMarccj 3 місяці тому +2

    Steven Kotkin often leaves me gasping for breath.

  • @annakrystynastankov3781
    @annakrystynastankov3781 Рік тому +60

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

  • @Octaviamorris77
    @Octaviamorris77 Рік тому +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.

  • @evaburnz
    @evaburnz Рік тому +24

    Kotkin is a marvel.

  • @carolgiangreco6548
    @carolgiangreco6548 10 місяців тому +7

    Bravo to an expert educator. Thank you.

  • @MagnusElpron
    @MagnusElpron Рік тому +64

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

  • @nathanngumi8467
    @nathanngumi8467 Рік тому +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.

  • @michaelross2107
    @michaelross2107 Рік тому +28

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

  • @bogdanbaudis4099
    @bogdanbaudis4099 Рік тому +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.

  • @motorhead4446
    @motorhead4446 Рік тому +85

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

  • @user-lj2hd8in6t
    @user-lj2hd8in6t Рік тому +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.

  • @littlebirdie2
    @littlebirdie2 11 місяців тому +4

    Excellent! Bring him back for another enlightening round!

  • @denillefleming2942
    @denillefleming2942 Рік тому +7

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

  • @briancase6180
    @briancase6180 Рік тому +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!

  • @vdove605
    @vdove605 10 місяців тому +10

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

  • @iggle6448
    @iggle6448 Рік тому +129

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

  • @geopietro
    @geopietro Рік тому +178

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

  • @paulmilligan3007
    @paulmilligan3007 Рік тому +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.

  • @duggi4
    @duggi4 11 місяців тому +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.

  • @jordomayor5224
    @jordomayor5224 Рік тому +7

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

  • @lynngilbert1596
    @lynngilbert1596 9 місяців тому +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.

  • @lennyFeb01March04
    @lennyFeb01March04 Рік тому +23

    Absolutely amazing! Nothing short of phenomenal. Thank you.

  • @tualastancil8534
    @tualastancil8534 Рік тому +47

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

  • @shad00w239
    @shad00w239 Рік тому +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.

  • @6663000
    @6663000 Рік тому +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.

  • @briangaines3693
    @briangaines3693 11 місяців тому +4

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

  • @Alex.Kalashnik
    @Alex.Kalashnik Рік тому +6

    Thank you so much for the excellent analysis on Ukraine!

  • @tonysaldana5866
    @tonysaldana5866 Рік тому +8

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

  • @martinneukomm8697
    @martinneukomm8697 Рік тому +7

    95 views
    Thank you Professor Kotkin!

  • @bofink5377
    @bofink5377 Рік тому +7

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

  • @assonancex
    @assonancex Рік тому +33

    This was a truly awesome interview. Thank you chaps.

  • @rogeranderson8116
    @rogeranderson8116 Рік тому +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.

  • @user-fs7df1xg9v
    @user-fs7df1xg9v 9 місяців тому +12

    Stephen is the Joe Pesci of geo politics.

  • @suitnskull8255
    @suitnskull8255 11 місяців тому +4

    What a fulfilling talk. Just brilliant!

  • @MAM1000W
    @MAM1000W Рік тому +11

    Robinson sets up those questions so well!

  • @HarryOrenstein
    @HarryOrenstein Рік тому +14

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

  • @p.d.stanhope7088
    @p.d.stanhope7088 11 місяців тому +2

    One of your best shows.

  • @garbonomics
    @garbonomics Рік тому +154

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

  • @bobmathieson987
    @bobmathieson987 Рік тому +66

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

  • @cavscout888
    @cavscout888 Рік тому +33

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

  • @briancarl5566
    @briancarl5566 Рік тому +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!!!

  • @eoinoconnell185
    @eoinoconnell185 11 місяців тому +2

    Always one of my favourite guests

  • @brianrajala7671
    @brianrajala7671 Рік тому +7

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

  • @neruda4paz
    @neruda4paz Рік тому +54

    Phenomenal interview. One constructive feedback - Peter, you have a very low octave voice (lovely as it is), and it is often hard to hear you in these interviews, while the guests are much easier to hear. I listen to these while working in the shop and find myself often having to scramble to wash my hands & turn the volume up to max to hear you (Peter). Could you possibly have your mic volume increased? Absolutely love Uncommon Knowledge. Thanks for the consideration, if you see this.

  • @ellenstoll7158
    @ellenstoll7158 Рік тому +9

    Excellent!

  • @culmore170a
    @culmore170a 10 місяців тому +3

    Wonderful questioner amazing professor. So educational

  • @kanweiwu7339
    @kanweiwu7339 Рік тому +22

    The outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war has serious consequences on the peaceful existence among all Asian nations, especially between Mainland China and Taiwan.

  • @lastshelter5550
    @lastshelter5550 10 місяців тому +2

    He’s an intelligent man & aware of a lot that he cleverly avoids pointing out but overall, very difficult to disagree with

  • @christinezaslavsky647
    @christinezaslavsky647 Рік тому +24

    So glad to see him joining the greats at Hoover!

    • @ridethecurve55
      @ridethecurve55 Рік тому +5

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

  • @chrishooge3442
    @chrishooge3442 Рік тому +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..."

  • @fjauge2465
    @fjauge2465 Рік тому +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.

  • @MarkM001
    @MarkM001 Рік тому +9

    That was really good! Thank you!

  • @Bluedog4712
    @Bluedog4712 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +13

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

  • @denzelamarus5259
    @denzelamarus5259 Рік тому +8

    Marvelous discussion

  • @mr.majestic8713
    @mr.majestic8713 Рік тому +22

    This was simply outstanding. 🤔🧐

  • @olya3391
    @olya3391 Рік тому +4

    What a treat. Thank you very much.