Assassins have been plotting, murdering, and executing for thousands of years—from the famed Ides of March to forgotten British Prime Ministers. Their reach across history is inconceivable. But what motivates an assassin, and have their murderous ways ever helped them achieve their goals? With most assassinations still shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, quantifying "success" can be difficult. However, can we at least determine the motives behind such gruesome acts?

In this episode, James welcomes author and journalist John Withington to the podcast to discuss the five most influential assassinations in history. From the first recorded assassination in ancient Egypt to assassinations that sparked World Wars, do the motives ever outweigh the consequences? And can assassinations ever be considered legitimate tools to influence politics, ideologies, and society?

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