Jared Diamond on national crisis

Jared Diamond explores how countries survive national crises. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author and polymath talks to Andrew Marr about the process seven countries went through at moments of huge upheaval – from Japan and Finland to Australia and Chile. Using the lessons learnt in overcoming personal trauma, Diamond charts the painful process of self-appraisal, selective change and flexibility needed to move forward. Britain is facing its own national crisis, with the public and political parties divided over Brexit and future direction. Professor David Runciman puts Jared Diamond’s thesis to the test, questioning whether we can learn from past disasters. He also turns his focus on those at the top of government and their fall from power. Producer: Katy Hickman