Aaron J. Leonard
Historian and author specializing in political radicalism and state repression, author of Menace of Our Time: The Long War Against American Communism and other books on the FBI and left-wing movements.
Top 3 podcasts with Aaron J. Leonard
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Dec 26, 2025 • 49min
From the Palmer Raids to COINTELPRO: The War Against American Socialism and Communism
Aaron Leonard, historian and author of "Menace of Our Time," dives deep into the U.S. history of anti-communist repression. He reveals how early events like the 1919 Palmer Raids set a precedent for decades of state-sanctioned violence against leftist groups. Leonard discusses pivotal moments such as the Smith Act prosecutions and the chilling effects on dissenting voices, highlighting the echoes of past repression in today's political climate. Tune in to explore how history informs our understanding of modern socialism and anti-communism.
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 42min
Menace of our Time: The Long War Against American Communism
Aaron J. Leonard, a historian and author focused on political radicalism, dives into the U.S.'s century-long campaign against communists and radicals. He explores the origins and impacts of the Palmer Raids and McCarthyism, revealing how state repression has evolved alongside crises. Leonard discusses FDR's complex legacy of social reform and anti-communism, and examines COINTELPRO's tactics against the Communist Party USA. Unpacking these historical narratives, he asserts the necessity of understanding this context for future struggles against repression.
Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 28min
Meltdown Expected: Crisis, Disorder, & Upheaval at the End of the 1970's
Author Aaron J. Leonard discusses the crisis and transition in the late 1970s, including the Iranian revolution, rise of neoliberalism, de-industrialization, FBI shifts, music/culture changes, and geopolitical impacts. Reflects on the relevance of historical lessons for navigating current crises in 2024.
