In 416BC, during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, the island of Melos was a non-combatant. Strategically located in the middle of the Aegean, The Athenians arrived and demanded Melos surrender and thus be absorbed into their empire. The Melians refused, and so one of the most famous and influential passages in Thucydides’ history as recounted by the delegates of Athens: ‘the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.’

We are returning to an era of empires asserting their dominance, and so joining to discuss Ukraine and its implications for Europe is historian and writer Philip Blood, author of Putin’s War as we discuss the war over the past three years and what can be done in the future.

As a brief little bonus for you, Tessa Dunlop joins to discuss the war as she launches a new podcast blending politics with history.

Philip Blood Links

Putin's War, Russian Genocide, Edited by Philip Blood

Fallout on Ghost - Writings on Ukraine from Philp and team

Philip on X

Tessa Dunlop Links

Where Politics Meets History

Aspects of History Links

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Ollie on X

Aspects of History on Instagram

Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com

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Putin's War with Philip W Blood