About this episode
The episode explores the real and symbolic power of weapons throughout history and in contemporary society.
How do weapons exert real and symbolic power, both now and in history? Joining Matthew Sweet in Radio 4's round table discussion programme about ideas are: The former soldier and politician Tobias Ellwood The sculptor Hew Locke, whose artworks exploring colonial power have featured weaponry The Renaissance historian Catherine Fletcher, whose latest book is The Firearm Revolution: From Renaissance Italy to the European Empires The historian and broadcaster Mark Urban, whose books include Tank and Rifles and Hailey Austin, Lecturer in Visual Media and Culture at Abertay University who researches comics and videogames. Producer: Eliane Glaser
People in this episode
Host: Matthew Sweet
Guests: Tobias Ellwood, Hew Locke, Catherine Fletcher, Mark Urban, Hailey Austin
Topics covered
- weapons
- power
- history
- colonialism
- art
- media
- culture
Keywords
- weapons
- symbolic power
- history
- colonial power
- art
- media
- culture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Abertay University
Books & works: The Firearm Revolution: From Renaissance Italy to the European Empires, Tank and Rifles
More episodes of Arts & Ideas
- Satire and Gulliver's Travels · June 12, 2026 · 57 min
- Wealth · June 5, 2026 · 57 min
- Free Thinking at the Hay Festival: Responsibility · May 29, 2026 · 57 min
- Thinking with Food · May 22, 2026 · 57 min
- Technologies of the Self · May 15, 2026 · 57 min
- The Middle · May 8, 2026 · 57 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Arts & Ideas podcast page.