Lukes Interviewed on Latest Book: “History and the Post-Truth Era“
In an appearance on Czech Radio‘s “Vinohradská 12” podcast, Igor Lukes, Professor of International Relations and History at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, discusses the findings of his latest book Dějiny a doba postfaktická (History and the Post-Truth Era).
In his discussion with host Matěj Skalický, Lukes discusses the manifestation of the “post-truth era,” the role of modern political figures like former President Donald Trump in propagating this era of falsehoods, as well as the role of digital and social media in driving people to stop believing in facts and create alternative truths. Lukes also noted the importance of distinguishing a post-factual age from a post-truth age. As he argues, “the truth, in my opinion, is much more complex than a simple fact. But they certainly coexist, because in order to arrive at the truth, we have to use facts.”
History and the Post-Truth Era is a compilation of Lukes’ historical essays, political commentaries, and reflections on the contemporary world from 2004-2021. Thematically, the texts are divided into several areas, in which Lukes maps the Obama and Trump presidencies, Vladimir Putin’s Russia, Czech statehood, the Cold War, secret services, and political ideas. In addition to knowledge and critical observations, the book also brings a significant reading and emotional experience thanks to Lukes’ style and commitment.
Listen to the full podcast (in Czech) below.
Igor Lukes is a past winner of the 1997 Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2020 winner of the Gitner Prize for Faculty Excellence at the Pardee School. He writes primarily about Central Europe. His work has won the support of various other institutions, including Fulbright, Fulbright-Hays, the Woodrow Wilson Center, IREX, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Read more about Professor Lukes on his faculty profile.