The Graduate Institute’s Jussi Hanhimäki recently interviewed Margaret MacMillan, a leading expert on history and international relations, about the relationship between history and policy-making.

MacMillan, who teaches at the University of Oxford, revealed how looking back in time can instill a sense of realism and humility, and steer policy makers towards the right course of action. She cited South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a relevant, recent example.

As Professor MacMillan put it, “countries that don’t examine their past will have problems with it”.