Fiona Hill holds out her hand with a pre-emptive wince, having shaken countless hands as the chancellor of Durham University for the past two years. This role has significant personal meaning for Hill, who grew up in Bishop Auckland, a former coal-mining town in close proximity to Durham. After starting her educational journey at St. Andrews University, she has since achieved remarkable heights in the United States, including positions at Harvard, the Brookings Institution, and working in the White House.
In her tenure as an analyst during the Trump administration, she drew considerable attention for her testimony regarding Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. Despite her international accolades, Hill remains deeply connected to her northern English roots. When Durham University invited her to become chancellor, she accepted, eager to contribute to her community.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Hill laments a sentiment held by her father that there was "nothing here" for her—a statement that drives her to advocate for others from similar backgrounds. Now based with her family in suburban Washington, she returns to Durham regularly, fulfilling her ceremonial duties while also offering insight into current geopolitical threats.
In discussions about global issues, Hill points to the rise of populism and the resulting crisis in democratic systems, emphasizing the quick fixes often proposed without addressing underlying problems. As part of a new strategic defense review for the British government, she called for an innovative approach to national security, integrating multiple sectors, including education and health, into a cohesive defense strategy.
Education is a pressing concern for Hill, as she observes British universities struggling financially, highlighting the need for self-examination in a transformative world. The shuttered industries around Durham remind her of decaying institutions that once thrived, and she draws parallels with prestigious universities like Harvard, noting they are not immune to institutional decline.
As she reflects on her academic journey, influenced by the rise and fall of historical powers, Hill sees troubling similarities between the U.S. under Trump and past empires in decline. Though disillusioned with contemporary political movements, she also recognizes resilience within the British populace and the strength of long-standing cultural traditions.
While predicting that Britain has "pretty much bottomed out" following Brexit, Hill maintains hope for the future, even as she humorously acknowledges the persistent challenges ahead. In her view, addressing populism's allure requires a nuanced understanding of its implications—instead of merely offering band-aid solutions to complex global issues.
