Intellectual Historian Richard Whatmore explains why the Enlightenment, 18th century republicanism and the history of free states matter for today’s global politics.

Richard Whatmore is Professor of Modern History and co-director of the Institute of Intellectual History at the University of St Andrews.

Welcome to Roots and Branches, the ideas podcast from the Institute of Intellectual History at the University of St Andrews.

Host Selma Sondern explains what Intellectual History is, why it matters, and what to expect when we launch on 1 July 2025 with Prof Richard Whatmore.