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Washington and the Riddle of Peace

Washington and the Riddle of Peace

By: H. G. Wells
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 At the WASHINGTON CONFERENCE FOR THE LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS in 1921, acclaimed author H. G. Wells served as a keen observer among the victorious nations of The Great War. His reflections, captured in 29 short essays published in the New York World and other outlets, offer a unique lens into this pivotal moment in history. Rather than serving as a straightforward record of the Conference, these essays convey the insights and impressions of one visitor contemplating the quest for global harmony. Wells critiques the failed League of Nations as America’s initial attempt at organized world peace, suggesting that in its absence, we are left with a world conversation rather than a constitution. Through his thought-provoking observations, Wells articulates a vision of how civilization can navigate the perils it faces and regain its momentum towards progress. While not all of Wells optimistic and pessimistic views have stood the test of time, his reflections on world peace resonate powerfully in todays context. (Lee Smalley)Copyright Politics, Philosophy, Religion
Episodes
  • 029 - What a Stably Organized World Peace Means For Mankind

    029 - What a Stably Organized World Peace Means For Mankind
    Feb 9 2026
    At the WASHINGTON CONFERENCE FOR THE LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS in 1921, acclaimed author H. G. Wells served as a keen observer among the victorious nations of The Great War. His reflections, captured in 29 short essays published in the New York World and other outlets, offer a unique lens into this pivotal moment in history. Rather than serving as a straightforward record of the Conference, these essays convey the insights and impressions of one visitor contemplating the quest for global harmony. Wells critiques the failed League of Nations as America’s initial attempt at organized world peace, suggesting that in its absence, we are left with a world conversation rather than a constitution. Through his thought-provoking observations, Wells articulates a vision of how civilization can navigate the perils it faces and regain its momentum towards progress. While not all of Wells optimistic and pessimistic views have stood the test of time, his reflections on world peace resonate powerfully in todays context. (Lee Smalley)
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    23 mins
  • 028 - The Foundation Stone and the Building

    028 - The Foundation Stone and the Building
    Feb 9 2026
    At the WASHINGTON CONFERENCE FOR THE LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS in 1921, acclaimed author H. G. Wells served as a keen observer among the victorious nations of The Great War. His reflections, captured in 29 short essays published in the New York World and other outlets, offer a unique lens into this pivotal moment in history. Rather than serving as a straightforward record of the Conference, these essays convey the insights and impressions of one visitor contemplating the quest for global harmony. Wells critiques the failed League of Nations as America’s initial attempt at organized world peace, suggesting that in its absence, we are left with a world conversation rather than a constitution. Through his thought-provoking observations, Wells articulates a vision of how civilization can navigate the perils it faces and regain its momentum towards progress. While not all of Wells optimistic and pessimistic views have stood the test of time, his reflections on world peace resonate powerfully in todays context. (Lee Smalley)
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • 027 - About the War Debts

    027 - About the War Debts
    Feb 9 2026
    At the WASHINGTON CONFERENCE FOR THE LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS in 1921, acclaimed author H. G. Wells served as a keen observer among the victorious nations of The Great War. His reflections, captured in 29 short essays published in the New York World and other outlets, offer a unique lens into this pivotal moment in history. Rather than serving as a straightforward record of the Conference, these essays convey the insights and impressions of one visitor contemplating the quest for global harmony. Wells critiques the failed League of Nations as America’s initial attempt at organized world peace, suggesting that in its absence, we are left with a world conversation rather than a constitution. Through his thought-provoking observations, Wells articulates a vision of how civilization can navigate the perils it faces and regain its momentum towards progress. While not all of Wells optimistic and pessimistic views have stood the test of time, his reflections on world peace resonate powerfully in todays context. (Lee Smalley)
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
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