Personality and Power: Builders and Destroyers of Modern Europe

by Ian Kershaw

How far can a single leader alter the course of history?

From one of the leading historians of twentieth-century Europe and the author of the definitive biography of Hitler, Personality and Power is a masterful reckoning with how character conspired with opportunity to create the modern age’s uniquely devastating despots—and how and why other countries found better paths. The modern era saw the emergence of individuals who had command over a terrifying array of instruments of control, persuasion and death. Whole societies were reshaped and wars were fought, often with a merciless contempt for the most basic norms. At the summit of these societies were leaders whose personalities somehow enabled them to do whatever they wished, regardless of the consequences for others.

Interview with the Author

History Unplugged Podcast 
How Much Can One Individual Alter History? More and Less Than You Think
2/2/23           43 min

---

The Realignment 
326 | Ian Kershaw: The Personalities Who Built and Destroyed Modern Europe
12/14/22          37 min

---

Carnegie Council 
Personality and Power: Builders and Destroyers of Modern Europe, with Ian Kershaw
11/16/22             59 min

---

Chris Voss Podcast
Personality and Power: Builders and Destroyers of Modern Europe by Ian Kershaw
12/4/22            47 min

---