“Lessons” Of The Past? A Conversation On The Uses And Misuses Of History

The Hoover History Lab hosted special keynote conversation, “Lessons” of the Past? A Conversation on the Uses and Misuses of History, on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 12:30-2:00 pm PT in the Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building.

Beliefs about history influence the practice of foreign policy. Policymakers often use history—and they often use history badly. Can policymakers use history more discriminatingly? How have scholars and practitioners alike strived to improve the application of historical knowledge? Munich. Watergate. Vietnam. Iraq. Such powerful historical analogies inspire axiomatic thinking about past events and suggest lessons for the present. Yet can the complexity of the past offer ironclad lessons for contemporary decision-makers?

For more information on the Hoover History lab, visit: https://www.hoover.org/history-lab

To learn about the guest speakers, visit: https://www.hoover.org/events/lessons...

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