Presidents, Prime Ministers, Monarchs & Dictators
This podcast explores the lives and legacies of political leaders, including British prime ministers, US presidents, Irish Taoisigh, English and British monarchs, and dictators. Each episode features interviews with authors who have written essays about these figures in Iain Dale's books. The series covers a wide range of historical periods, from obscure 18th-century figures to modern leaders. Listeners gain insights into the motivations, failures, and achievements of these influential individuals.
Episodes
229. Sir Keir Starmer – Labour (2024-)
Iain Dale talks to Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator for The Times about the life and career of the UK’s current prime minister.
228. Napoleon III – France (1852-70)
Iain Dale talks to Sir Robert Buckland about the French Emperor who failed to live up to the reputation of his namesake predecessor.
227. Liz Truss – 2022-22
I talk to Liz Truss’s biographer, James Heale, about Britain’s 56th and shortest serving prime minister.
226. Simon Harris – Ireland (2024-25)
In order to complete the Irish Taoiseach podcast series, Iain Dale talks to Irish Times Political Editor Pat Leahy about the 16th Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris.
225. Bashar Al-Assad – Syria (2000-24)
Iain Dale talks to former Conservative MP Brooks Newmark about the rule of the Syrian dictator who eventually fled to exile in Moscow. Brooks met Assad on nine occasions.
224. Josef Stalin - Soviet Union (1924-53)
Iain Daie talks to Lewis Goodall about the life and brutal rule of the man who ruled the Soviet Union for close on three decades. Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024Buy a signed copy of THE PRIME MINISTERS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-prime-min
223. Hendrik Verwoerd - South Africa (1958-1966)
Iain Dale talks to Simon marks about the Father of apartheid in South Africa.
222. Napoleon Bonaparte – France (1799-1814, 1815)
Iain Dale talks to political historian Alex Puffette about the French Emperor who is one of the most famous dictators in world history.Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024Buy a signed copy of THE PRIME MINISTERS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-prime-min
221. Isaias Afwerki – Eritrea (1991-)
Iain Dale talks to Justin King about the Eritrean dictator Isaias Afwerki, who is now 79, but has clung to power for more than 30 years.
220. Saddam Hussein – Iraq (1979-2003)
Iain Dale talks to Nadhim Zahawi about the brutal rule of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Nadhim spent the first 11 years of his life living under Saddam before his family left Iraq for the UK Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024Buy a signed copy of THE PRIME MINISTERS here&
219. Genghis Khan – Mongolia (1206-1227)
Iain Dale talks to historian Dominic Selwood about the Khan of the Mongol EmpireThe Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
218. Lee Quan Yew – Singapore (1959-90)
Iain Dale talks to historian Jack Brown about Singapore’s first prime minister.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
217. Mohammed bin Salman – Saudi Arabia (2017-)
Iain Dale talks to documentary maker and author Jonathan Rugman about the Saudi ruler.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
216. Enver Hoxha – Albania (1941-85)
Iain Dale talks to Julia Langdon about the rise and rule of a man who ruled Albania for more than four decades.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
215. Benito Mussolini – Italy (1922-43)
Iain Dale talks to Vanda Wilcox about the life and rule of the man who tried to properly unite Italy but ended up ruining it by his alliance with HitlerThe Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-comin
214. Walter Ulbricht – East Germany (1950-71)
Iain Dale talks to historian Dr Robert Waller about the first leader of the German Democratic Republic, East Germany, whose iron rule lasted for 21 years.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june
213. Alexander the Great – Macedonia (346BC-323BC)
Iain Dale talks to historian Matthew Binkowski about the man who conquered an empire stretching from Europe into South Asia.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
212. Hugo Chavez – Venezuela (1999-2013)
Iain Dale talks to former Guardian Latin American correspondent Rory Carroll about the Venezuelan dictator who brought his country to its knees.The Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
211. Mao Zedong – China (1943-76)
Iain Dale talks to china expert Jonathan Clements about the dictator that saw 70 million people die during his long ruleThe Dictators, edited by Iain Dale is published in hardback by Hoddr & Stoughton. Signed copies can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025
210. Joseph-Désiré Mobutu – Congo (later Zaire) (1971-97)
Iain Dale talks to political journalist Harry Lambert about the life and rule of one of Africa’s most brutal dictators.
209. Augusto Pinochet – Chile (1973-90)
Iain Dale talks to former US diplomat and law professor Colleen Graffy about the life of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinchochet.
208. Alfredo Stroessner – Paraquay (1954-89)
Iain Dale talks to political journalist Adam Boulton about the life and career of Paraquayan dictator, Alfredo Stroessner.
207. János Kádár – Hungary (1955-88)
Iain Dale talks to János Kádár’s biographer Roger Gough about the life of the Hungarian dictator.
206. Tito – Yugoslavia (1945-80)
Iain Dale talks to journalist and historian Connor Hand about the extraordinary life of rule of Yugoslavua’s post war ruler, Tito, who started out in life as Josip Broz.
205. Wu Zetian – China (690-705)
Iain Dale talks to historian C J Corn about the only female in the book THE DICTATORS, who he describes as “the most powerful woman the world has ever seen”.
204. Nicolae Ceaușescu – Romania (1965-89)
Iain Dale talks to Emma Burnell about the man who ruled Romania with an iron fist for a quarter of a century.
203. Slobodan Milošević – Yugoslavia, then Serbia (1989-97, 1997-2000)
I talk to US historian Alvin S, Felzenberg about the life and rule of a dictator who ended up in The Hague.
202. Adolf Hitler – Germany (1933-45)
Iain Dale talks to Britain’s pre-eminent expert on the Third Reich, Professor Richard J Evans about the life of German dictator, Adolf Hitler.
201. Hafez Al-Assad – Syria (1970-2000)
Iain Dale talks to Charles Pitt about the thirty year rule of Syrian dictator Hafez Al-Assad.Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
200. Vladimir Putin – Russia (2000-)
Iain Dale talks to long time Moscow Correspondent Owen Matthews about the life and career of Vladimir Putin. Owen’s book is called ‘Overreach: The Inside Story of Putin’s War Against Ukraine”.Buy a signed copy of THE DICTATORS https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
199. Manuel Noriega – Panama (1983-89)
Iain Dale talks to Sam Marks about the life and rule of the Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega
198. Muammar Gaddafi – Libya (1969-2011)
Iain Dale talks to former Conservative MP Daniel Kawzcynski about the life of the notorious Libran dictator, Colonel Gaddafi Buy a signed copy of the book THE DICTATOR https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
197. Juan Peron – Argentina (1946-55, 1973-74)
Iain Dale talks to historian Gareth Russell about the life of the two time Argentinian dictator, Juan Peron Buy a signed copy of the book THE DICTATORShttps://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
196. Julius Caesar – Rome (64-44BC)
Iain Dale talks to Mark Fox about the life of possibly the most famous man in ancient history apart from Jesus Christ!Buy a signed copy of the book THE DICTATORShttps://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
195. Ferdinand Marcos – The Philippines, (1965-86)
Iain Dale talks to American journalist Lewis M Simons about the extraordinary life of the Marcos familyBuy a signed copy of the book THE DICTATORShttps://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
194. Simón Bolívar– Greater Columbia (1819-30)
Iain Dale talks to David Walsh about the life and times of one of the few dictators to give his name to an actual country
193. Pisistratus – Athens (561 BC, 559–556 BC, 546–527 BC)
Iain Dale talks to Rene Levanchy about the life of the Athenian tyrant PisistratusSigned copies of THE DICTATORS can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
192. Xi Jinping – China, (2012-)
Iain Dale talks to Cindy Yu, the host of the Chinese Whispers podcast about the life and rule of President Xi Jinping of China. Signed copies of THE DICTATORS can be ordered here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-dictators-a-warning-from-history-edited-by-iain-dale-signe-copy-coming-in-2024
191. Antonio de Oliveira Salazar – Portugal, (1932-68)
Iain Dale talks to Salazar’s biographer, Thomas Gallagher about the man who ruled Portugal for 36 years
190. Francisco Franco – Spain (1936-75)
Iain Dale talks to historian Simon Heffer about the Spanish dictator, General Franco, who, after prevailing in the Spanish civil war, ruled Spain for the best part of 40 years.
189. Idi Amin – Uganda, 1971-79
Iain Dale talks to Yasmin Alibhai-Brown about the man who ruled her homeland, Uganda, and whom she also met.
188. Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
In the final episode in the Kings & Queens series, Iain talks to journalist Julia Langdon about the life and reign of Britain’s longest serving monarch. Buy a signed copy of KINGS & QUEENS here https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/kings-queens-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-in-novemer-2023
187. Anne (1702-14)
Iain Dale talks to the Royal Editor of The Times, Kate Mansey, about the life and reign of the last of the Stuart monarchs, Queen Anne.
186. William IV (1830-37)
Iain Dale talks to Professor Elaine Chalus from the University of Liverpool about the comparatively brief reign of the last of the Hannoverian monarchs, William IV
185. Mary I (1553-58)
Iain Dale talks to Telegraph journalist Tim Stanley about the life of Queen Mary, who failed to provide an heir
184. Matilda (1141-1141)
Iain Dale talks to historian Gabby Storey about the life and disputed reign of the Empress Matilda.
183. Henry II (1154-89)
Iain Dale talks to lawyer and historian Theo Barclay about the highly significant reign of the King who was determined to rid himself of a turbulent priest.
182. Charles III (2022 - )
Iain Dale talks to LBC Presenter Shelagh Fogarty about the life of the reigning monarch King Charles III
181. Henry IV (1399-1413)
Iain Dale talks to Professor Christopher Given-Wilson from the University of St Andrews about the rather turbulent reign of Henry IV.
180. Richard I (1187-1199)
Iain Dale talks to award winning historian Dan Jones about the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Dan’s new biography of Henry V is out now!
179. William II (1087-1100)
Iain Dale talks to historian Emma Mason about the life of William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror.
178. George III (1760-1820)
Iain Dale talks to top historian Andrew Roberts about the life of one of our longest serving monarchs.
177. Aethelstan (924-939)
Iain Dale talks to historian Michael Wood about the life and reign of one of England’s greatest and most significant monarchs, who was instrumental in founding what we now call England.
176. Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
Iain Dale talks to historian Anna Whitelock about the life of one of our greatest and longest serving monarchs, Elizabeth I.
175. Edgar II (1066-1066)
Iain Dale reads his chapter on the ‘nearly king’ Edgar II who is never included in the list of British monarchs. But he should be. And Iain explains why.
174. Edgar I (959-975)
Iain Dale talks to Justin Hill about the reign of the monarch who became known as Edgar the Peaceable.
173. Richard II (1377-99)
Iain Dale talks to Adam Lake about the life of King Richard II, who ascended the throne at the age of 10, and was forced to abdicate at the age of 32.
172. King Harold (1066-1066)
Iain Dale talks to Alexander Stafford about the King who was killed by an arrow to the eye. Or was he?
171. George IV (1820 - 1830)
Iain Dale talks to Carolyn Day about the life of George IV, known as a controversial character, in modern terms 'a bit of a lad'!
170. Edmund Ironside (1016-1016)
Iain Dale talks to historian Paula Lofting about the 221 day long reign of Edmund Ironside
169. Harold Harefoot (1035-40)
Iain Dale talks to Emily Fox about the brief reign of Harold Harefoot.
168. Aethelred the Unready (978-1013, 1014-16)
I discuss the rather unsuccessful reign(s) of the king who had an unfortunate epithet added to his name with the New Statesman’s Harry Lambert.
167. Richard Cromwell (1658-59)
Iain Dale talks to historian Kirsteen Mackenzie about the life of the largely forgotten son of Oliver Cromwell, who succeeded his father as Lord Protector, but ruled for only nine months.
166. Louis (1216)
Iain Dale talks to Catherine Hanley about the life and disputed reign of King Louis in 1216.
165. James II (1685-1688)
Iain Dale speaks to historian & author Gareth Russell about the life of King James II who ruled from just 1685 until being deposed in the glorious revolution of 1688.
164. James I (1603 - 1625)
Iain Dale talks to historical author Steven Veerapen, whose book 'The Wisest Fool' charts the lavish life of the King who went from James VI of Scotland to becoming James I after the union of the English & Scottish crowns.
163. King Edward I (1272-1307)
Iain Dale talks to historian and biographer John Barnes about the 35 year long reign of King Edward I
162. Aelfweard (924-924)
Iain Dale talks to Matthew Stadlen about the two week reign of one of England’s first monarchs.
161. Edmund (939-940)
Iain Dale talks to George Trefgarne about the short lived reign of one of the early Anglo Saxon monarchs
160. Henry V (1413-1422)
Iain Dale talks to historian Lauren Mackay about the life and reign of the King who defeated the French at Agincourt.
159. Sweyn Forkbeard (1013-1013)
Iain Dale talks to historian Justin Hill about the life and five week reign of the gloriously named Sweyn Forkbeard.
158. Edward VI (1547-53)
Iain Dale talks to historian Elizabeth Norton about the life and reign of King Edward VI, a king who few know anything about.
157. Edward the Elder (899-924)
Iain Dale talks to historian Gareth Streeter about the important reign of Edward the Elder.
156. Edward VII (1901-10)
Iain Dale talks to the Telegraph’s Assistant Editor Camilla Tominey about the life and relatively brief reign of Queen Victoria’s son, Bertie, who reigned for 9 years as King Edward VII.
155. George VI (1936-52)
Iain Dale talks to royal biographer and historian, Jane Ridley, about the man who saved the monarchy following the abdication crisis.
154. Lady Jane Grey (1553)
Iain Dale talks to historian Nicola Tallis about the 9 day long reign of Lady Jane Grey.
153. Eadred (946-55)
Iain Dale talks to historian Annie Whitehead about the Anglo Saxon monarch, King Eadred, who ruled for 9 years in the mid tenth century.
152. Henry III (1216-72)
Iain Dale discusses the long reign of King Henry III with the historian Sharon Bennett Connolly.
151. Edward III (1327-77)
Iain Dale talks to Mark Fox about the life and reign of one of England’s most long serving monarchs, King Edward III.
150. George II (1727-60)
Iain Dale talks to former cabinet minister Sir Robert Buckland about the life and reign of King George II.
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