Aspects of History interviews historians and authors on the past – from the ancient world right up to the modern day. In each episode, we seek to get to the bottom of a story or scrutinise a figure from history. There are bonus episodes too, from current events to anniversaries.
Battle: The Moments that Transformed Warfare from Ancient Greece to Ukraine with Iain MacGregor
From the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC to the defence of Kyiv in 2022, the
history of warfare has been determined by more than weapons and numbers. Leadership, morale, innovation, deception and timing have repeatedly defined the outcome of conflict, sometimes allowing smaller forces to defeat seemingly overwhelming enemies.
In this week's episode of the podcast, bestselling historian Iain MacGregor joins Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, to discuss his new book, Battle: The Moments That Transformed Warfare from Ancient Greece to Ukraine. Drawing on forty case studies, they discuss what makes a battle historically consequential, from Alexander the Great’s victory at Gaugamela and Henry V’s triumph at Agincourt to the turning point of Stalingrad and Napoleon’s masterclass at Austerlitz.
Iain also considers the human qualities that have remained constant across three millenia of warfare, exploring the importance of trust between commanders and their men, the psychological power of morale, and the ways technological innovation can transform the outcome.
Episode Links
Battle: The Moments That Transformed Warfare from Ancient Greece to Ukraine
Iain MacGregor Links
Iain online
Iain on Twitter/X
Iain on Instagram
Zeb Links
Zeb on Twitter /X
Zeb on Instagram
Zeb on Substack
Aspects of History Links
AoH online
AoH on Twitter /X
AoH on Instagram
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23 Oct 2026
War or Peace?: The United States and China, 2026–2049 with Tim Hames
The relationship between the United States and China will help shape the
world over the next quarter of a century. But is conflict between the two
superpowers inevitable, or could demographic change, economic interdependence and diverging technological priorities lead to a very different future? Looking ahead to 2049, the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party’s rise to power, the answers may be less predictable than many assume.
In this episode of the podcast, Tim Hames joins Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, to discuss his new book, War or Peace?: The United States and China, 2026–2049 with Tim Hames. Together they examine the historical roots of the rivalry, the significance of the so-called Thucydides Trap, and the contrasting approaches of Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Tim also ponders China’s looming demographic crisis, the competition over artificial intelligence and semiconductors, and the strategic importance of Taiwan.
Tim argues that the two countries are not necessarily destined for a new
Cold War, and that their rivalry may be shaped as much by ageing populations and economic realities as by military power. He considers where cooperation might be possible, the challenges facing Britain and Europe, and why understanding China’s future could change how Washington views its principal rival.
Episode Links
War or Peace?: The United States and China, 2026–2049 with Tim Hames
Tim Hames Links
Tim online
Zeb Links
Zeb on Twitter /X
Zeb on Instagram
Zeb on Substack
Aspects of History Links
AoH online
AoH on Twitter /X
AoH on Instagram
AoH on Substack
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19 Oct 2026
The Kop: A Fan’s History of Football’s Most Famous Stand with Brian Reade
The Kop in full swing at Anfield is one of the beautiful game’s most iconic
sights: a sea of flags and scarves, a red wall of song and noise, and a crowd
whose support has become the fulcrum of Liverpool Football Club’s unique
identity. Yet the story behind it goes far beyond football, beginning with a
disastrous British defeat during the Second Boer War and evolving into a
history of working-class culture, collective memory and the unequalled bond between a club and its supporters.
In this episode of the podcast, Brian Reade joins Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, to discuss his new book, The Kop: A Fan’s History of Football’s Most Famous Stand. They trace the name back to Spion Kop in South Africa, explore how the terrace became a symbol of Liverpool’s rise under Bill Shankly, and consider the songs, legendary European nights and remarkable atmosphere that have made Anfield famous around the world.
Brian also reflects on the Kop’s role beyond the pitch, from its response to
Hillsborough and the fight for justice to protests against football’s
commercialisation. Drawing on six decades of supporting the country’s most successful club, he explores how the stand has become a repository of shared memories and a tradition passed between generations – and what its future might hold.
Episode Links
The Kop: A Fan’s History of Football’s Most Famous Stand
Brian Reade Links
Brian online
Brian on Twitter/X
Zeb Links
Zeb on Twitter /X
Zeb on Instagram
Zeb on Substack
Aspects of History Links
AoH online
AoH on Twitter /X
AoH on Instagram
AoH on Substack
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