Podcast
When Diplomacy Fails Podcast
Hosted by Zack Twamley · EN
WDF examines how wars broke out, how they were concluded, and their consequences. Expect juicy diplomacy, sneaky intrigue, fascinating characters, and incredible drama. By Dr Zack Twamley, qualified history nerd.
Current Series: The July Crisis
Patreon Series: The Age of Bismarck
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Goodbye For Now
Oct 600:14:12Tap to summarizeBetween working full time and the impending arrival of baby WDF, I would be lying if I pretended as if nothing was going to change. It is, in fact, time to accept that I am only one man. But that's okay, because soon this man will be a daddy! A huge thanksss to you for sticking with the show, and although I cannot say when I'll be back, I promise you I will be...soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#70: July Crisis Q&A
Jul 3000:58:33Tap to summarizeDuring this series we have encountered a wide variety of fascinating characters and controversial decisions, but even though the story of why the world went to war in 1914 is finally finished, that doesn't mean we covered everything. After over a year of content, I felt it was only right to turn the mic over to you. What still leaves you puzzled? What do you think deserves more attention? What part of the story did I miss? What decision needs more explanation? Here, I delve into the questions you sent me over the last few weeks, and we bring this series to its deserved end. Thanksss so much for your questions, not to mention your support and attention, you're the best history friends a podcaster could ask for! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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State of the Podcast Address 21 July 2025
Jul 2100:29:02Tap to summarizeIt's been a while since I last checked in with you, and I've been sitting on some incredible news for a while now. If you'd like to know how things are about to change, then make sure you listen in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#69: The First World War - Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Part 3
Jul 2100:49:02Tap to summarizeIn our final part, we bring this saga of a series to an end by focusing our attention on the most focused on country of all - Germany. We know what Germany did from 1 August, from the declarations of war to the rape of Belgium, but what about before? What about the period 29-30 July, when the war truly became inevitable? Would it surprise you to learn that the Germans were the ones attempting to pull back from ledge?For a preciously brief period of time, Berlin was flying the flag for peace, even if they did so with insufficient skill and far too late. Germany's sins were many, but she was among good company. As we conclude here, none of the three eastern powers emerges without fault, but what does this mean for our understanding of the July Crisis? How does it change our view of the First World War? Join me here to find out, as I propose an alarmingly simple yet nuanced way of looking at this overwritten story. Thanksss so much for joining for the ride.Send your questions to our Q&A on the July Crisis!You can also send them through Facebook! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#68: The First World War - Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Part 2
Jul 1400:37:56Tap to summarizeFor generations, examinations of the First World War excluded arguably the most important actor - Russia. In this episode, we will hone in on the Tsar's court and his ministers. We will analyse their mindset at crucial moments in the crisis, particularly the 29-30 July, where general mobilisation was approved against Austria and Germany. What was the meaning of this act? Was it based on sound logic, or something more problematic, and did this act mean that Russia - rather than Germany - was mostly responsible for what followed? Listen in to find out history friend!Make sure you visit our Q&A, to have your say on any questions you want answered on the July Crisis! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#67: The First World War - Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Part 1
Jul 700:45:09Tap to summarizeBy now we've seen the absolute worst that Europe had to offer in 1914. We've seen naive statesmen, misinformed statesmen, distrustful statesmen, desperate statesmen, and everything in between. But when it comes to the question of who was responsible or whose fault the outbreak of war actually was, how can you condense the last 60+ episodes into a coherent, satisfying answer? In this first instalment, we look at Austria-Hungary's clear role in the crisis, whether from pushing for war with Serbia, sabotaging negotiations, or keeping its German ally in the dark. Austria had a lot to answer for, and we are determined to pull no punches!Support the July Crisis series, join the conversation, and find out more through these links:Do you want ad-free episodes with scripts attached, and bonus content? Support us on Patreon and you can suggest July Crisis episodes!Join our Facebook group as we make our way through this fascinating series!Click here to see our July Crisis workspace in Perlego, you'll find every source you need Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Unreality of Realism w/ Alexander von Sternberg
Jul 302:18:43Tap to summarizeSomething special for you here - Alex and I had a great conversation about realism in international relations on his History Impossible podcast, and he was good enough to let me publish it on my feed. If you like political discussions, current affairs, and hearing a bit more about my academia journey, then have a listen to this episode. A huge thanksss to Alex for having me on, and make sure to check out History Impossible!Check out History Impossible Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#66: The July Crisis - Conclusion
Jun 3000:41:06Tap to summarizeWhat have we learned after 65 episodes of background, analysis, and day-to-day coverage of the most consequential diplomatic failure in human history? What can we say about those responsible for what happened, and is there any value in searching for guilt? Can we distinguish between guilt or responsibility? Is it a cop out to not look for culprits? Should we search for reasons instead?The July Crisis is a story of human failure on a catastrophic scale, but not all failures were made equally. One is drawn to the behaviour of Austria, Russia, and Germany - the three Eastern powers - who made the war possible. But did they know what they were doing? Were they knowingly moving the world towards disaster, or simply making what they believed was the best choice available to them? Here we wrap up, as much as possible, this incredible story. Support the July Crisis series, join the conversation, and find out more through these links:Do you want ad-free episodes with scripts attached, and bonus content? Support us on Patreon and you can suggest July Crisis episodes!Join our Facebook group as we make our way through this fascinating series!Click here to see our July Crisis workspace in Perlego, you'll find every source you need! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#65: 5 August 1914 - 'This Frantic Stampede to Hell'
Jun 2300:45:30Tap to summarizeThe world was at war, and there was much to do. In London, attention turned to the British Expeditionary Force. The BEF had been ruled out several times before, but that did not have to matter. How many divisions could Britain send, and to where? What of the Dominions, or India, or Egypt? How could one balance imperial possessions with European defence imperatives? At least, the Cabinet was mostly on the same page, and in Parliament, war credits were approved, though not without some vocal dissent.The mood in Germany was both anxious and defiant. The sheer extent of the challenge posed by the Triple Entente made gathering more allies all the more urgent, but it also entailed a kind of desperation, where Germany must be prepared to fight to the end. Austria would also be pressured to clarify matters, and declare war on Russia and France. The First World War as we know it was taking shape, yet very few fully understood how it had happened. Where complex analysis was unavailable and sources lacking, governments turned to propaganda and noble causes. The war could still be seen as a kind of adventure, but within weeks, romanticism would collide with the brutal reality of industrial slaughter.Support the July Crisis series, join the conversation, and find out more through these links:Do you want ad-free episodes with scripts attached, and bonus content? Support us on Patreon and you can suggest July Crisis episodes!Join our Facebook group as we make our way through this fascinating series!Click here to see our July Crisis workspace in Perlego, you'll find every source you need! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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#64: 4 August 1914 IV - The Final Countdown
Jun 1600:36:19Tap to summarizeWith only hours left until the ultimatum expired, the mood in London and Berlin was anxious and excited. Was this truly it? Was the Anglo-German relationship now destined to die in a war over Belgium? Some could not bring themselves to believe it, but in London, the Cabinet was at least agreed. Once the clock struck 11PM, a war which had been impossible to imagine scarcely a few weeks ago was now the only possible policy. By now it was too late to stop the war, but who would declare it? Would Germany pre-empt Britain's ultimatum, and rip the bandage off herself? As the cheers rang out around Buckingham Palace, all that truly mattered was that, for the first time since perhaps 1815, the world was at war, and nothing would ever be the same again.Support the July Crisis series, join the conversation, and find out more through these links:Do you want ad-free episodes with scripts attached, and bonus content? Support us on Patreon and you can suggest July Crisis episodes!Join our Facebook group as we make our way through this fascinating series!Click here to see our July Crisis workspace in Perlego, you'll find every source you need! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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