UEA academic serves as historical consultant for new BBC Radio 4 series
By: Communications
A leading University of East Anglia (UEA) historian has contributed expert analysis to a major new BBC Radio 4 series presented by broadcaster David Dimbleby.
Prof David Milne, from UEA's School of History and Art History, served as the historical consultant for BBC’s The History Podcast and features as an interviewee.
'Invisible Hands: The American Century' explores how the vision that emerged from the aftermath of the Second World War helped establish the United States at the centre of international politics, and how that influence has shaped global affairs for much of the past 80 years.
The show is one of the most popular podcast series across all genres on Apple Podcasts, highlighting its significant reach and influence among listeners.
Prof Milne's research focuses on the ideas and individuals that have shaped the United States' role in world affairs.
In addition to acting as historical consultant for the series, he also features in episode four, helping audiences understand the crucial role played by the development theorist Walt Rostow in escalating the Vietnam War.
Prof Milne published a biography of Rostow, America’s Rasputin: Walt Rostow and the Vietnam War, in 2008.
Throughout the series, Prof Milne's expertise helps place major historical developments in their wider context, exploring the relationship between ideas, power and policymaking.
“Working with the brilliant team at Samizdat Audio was an absolute pleasure and David Dimbleby is an outstanding storyteller," he said.
“I’ve spent most of academic career writing on intellectuals who have shaped US foreign policy behind the scenes. It’s been a thrill to translate some of those ideas for a large radio and podcast audience.”
His analysis examines how political leaders interpreted America's global responsibilities and how competing visions of freedom, security and development informed American actions during the Cold War and beyond.
Prof Milne's contribution shows how academic research can help explain some of the most significant geopolitical developments of the modern era, bringing nuanced historical perspectives to a broad public audience.
It follows a strong tradition of UEA historians bringing academic expertise to major public-facing productions.
Earlier this year, Dr Hugh Doherty shared his expertise with audiences worldwide as a historical adviser for HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest series set in the Game of Thrones universe.
Dr Richard Mills appeared in the award-winning podcast Real Dictators, contributing expert insight to a five-part series on the life and legacy of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.
The podcast explored Tito's rise from wartime partisan leader to one of the most influential figures of the Cold War era, examining his role in defying Stalin, building socialist Yugoslavia and establishing the country as a leading member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Drawing on his expertise in modern Balkan history, Dr Mills helped audiences understand the complexities of Tito's leadership and the lasting impact of Yugoslavia's rise and eventual collapse.
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