Antony Beevor, renowned British historian and former military officer: “We Are Repeating the Mistakes That Led to World War II”

Sir Antony Beevor, a renowned British historian and former military officer, warns that the world is once again heading toward dangerous political and social divisions reminiscent of the conditions that preceded past global conflicts. In a thought-provoking interview, he expresses concern over the erosion of historical awareness and the rise of authoritarian tendencies across Europe and beyond.

Have Wars Stopped Serving as a Warning?

Historically, nations have learned from past traumas, using them as a form of “vaccination” against repeating the same mistakes. For example, the horrors of the Spanish Civil War led to a strong desire for reconciliation during Spain’s democratic transition.

Similarly, Britain’s history with Cromwell instilled a deep-rooted resistance to authoritarian rule. However, Beevor fears that these historical “vaccines” are losing their effect, as evidenced by the growing popularity of far-right movements across Europe, including Spain and the UK.

The historian argues that the creation of the European Union was, in part, a response to the devastation of World War II—a safeguard against repeating the past. Yet, with rising nationalism and political fragmentation, the protective lessons of the past seem to be fading.

The Long Shadow of the Russian Revolution

Beevor challenges the common belief that the horrors of the 20th century stemmed primarily from World War I. Instead, he points to the Russian Revolution as a key catalyst for ideological division and conflict across Europe. The mass killings, class struggles, and radical polarization it triggered laid the groundwork for further violence, including the Spanish Civil War and, ultimately, World War II.

In Spain, a demographic boom fueled by economic prosperity in the early 20th century resulted in a large population of unemployed youth who were easily drawn into extremist political groups. This, combined with ideological divisions, contributed to the outbreak of civil war.

Franco: Opportunist or Visionary?

Beevor describes Francisco Franco as a mediocre military strategist but a shrewd politician. Initially aligning himself with fascism, he later repositioned himself as an anti-communist ally of the West, securing U.S. support during the Cold War. His regime was marked by repression, particularly against communists, yet Spain transitioned into a modern democracy at an impressive pace after his rule.

Beevor also addresses a recent misquotation by a Spanish far-right politician, clarifying that he has never justified or supported Franco’s dictatorship.

Are We Ignoring the Lessons of the Past?

The historian warns that the belief in the “impossibility” of repeating past horrors is itself a dangerous fallacy. Just as British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain mistakenly assumed that no one would want to repeat the bloodshed of World War I, today’s leaders may be underestimating threats like Vladimir Putin’s ambitions in Ukraine.

Beevor admits he did not anticipate Putin’s invasion of Ukraine or the broader rise of authoritarianism in Europe. He is particularly concerned about the growing influence of the far-right among young people, many of whom feel economically sidelined and disillusioned by mainstream political parties.

The Role of Technology and Misinformation

Social media has amplified the spread of misinformation like never before. Figures like Elon Musk, Beevor argues, wield enormous technological power with little accountability, fueling a toxic digital landscape that exacerbates political and social divisions.

Should Europe Rebuild Its Military Strength?

Beevor believes European nations must strengthen their defenses but highlights a troubling reality: few young people are willing to fight for their country. This reluctance stems from a sense of disillusionment with democratic institutions as moderate parties struggle to deliver tangible solutions in a globalized economy.

In France, for example, surveys show that nearly a quarter of young people would prefer a military dictatorship over democracy—a disturbing trend that underscores a growing appetite for “strongman” leadership.

The Uncertain Future of the Far Right

Despite their growing influence, Beevor believes far-right movements are inherently self-destructive. Internal divisions, ideological conflicts, and rivalries—such as those seen between European ultraconservatives and their American counterparts—may prevent them from consolidating lasting power.

Germany at a Crossroads

Looking ahead to the upcoming German elections, Beevor offers a sobering reminder: “The only lesson history teaches is that no one learns from history.” He notes that Germany’s post-war success was largely due to U.S. investment and strategic support. However, with declining economic confidence and a failure to modernize in the digital age, Germany faces an uncertain future.

Conclusion

Beevor’s insights serve as a stark warning: history is not a fixed script but a series of choices. If the world continues down its current path—ignoring historical lessons, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked, and failing to address economic discontent—then past horrors could very well repeat themselves.