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Power Politics: Thucydides to Trump. The Exercise of Power Internationally through the Ages

Tuesday 22 Sep 2026

“The strong do what they have the power to do, and the weak fall into line.” (Thuc. Hist. V. 89).  

Was that the prevailing view in the Ancient World, and if so, what lessons do the results carry for politics today? What international, ethical or legal constraints have societies tried to place on raw power, and with what success? This event will explore these questions, drawing on our panel’s expertise in international relations, both ancient and modern. 

This event is hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies.

 

Additional information

Speakers

Chris Preble, Senior Fellow and Director, Reimagining US Grand Strategy, Stimson Center 

Mick Cox, Founding Director of LSE IDEAS, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics 

Paul Cartledge, A.G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow, Emeritus A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture, Clare College, Cambridge 

Polly Low, Professor in the Department of Classics and Ancient History, Durham University 

Valentina Arena, Camden Professor of Ancient History, Brasenose College, Oxford 

Patrick Porter, Professor of International Security and Strategy, Birmingham University 

Chair: Margaret Mountford, President, Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies 

Venue

The Hellenic Centre

Tickets

Free entry | Booking required via secretary@hellenicsociety.org.uk

Times

19:00