Gary Gerstle

Ruth Kinna, a political theory professor, Christopher Phelps, an American studies expert, and Gary Gerstle, an American history professor, discuss the explosive Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago. They explore the labor rights movement's tumultuous backdrop, focusing on the fight for an eight-hour workday and anarchism's role in the protests. The discussion reveals the tragic executions of key figures, the emergence of May Day, and the enduring legacy of the incident on labor activism and societal change.

Historian Gary Gerstle dives into the tumultuous legacy of the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930, revealing how it worsened the Great Depression and shifted political power in U.S. tariff policy. He explores why President Hoover failed to halt its protective measures and discusses the tensions between idealism and cynicism in American politics. Gerstle also connects historical tariff battles to today’s political landscape, raising questions about the limits of presidential authority and the dangers of isolationism in a global economy.

In this engaging discussion, historian Gary Gerstle dives into the shifting landscape of global politics and the declining influence of the neoliberal order. He underscores a rise in nationalism and authoritarian tendencies, challenging democratic values. Gary analyzes the implications of a Trump 2.0 landscape, including economic policies and their impacts on the affordability crisis. He warns of the risks entailed in politicizing institutions and considers the future of U.S. national security amid a backdrop of regional hegemons. Expect insights that provoke thought on democracy's resilience.

Gary Gerstle, a renowned historian and author, unpacks the evolution of Donald Trump's presidency. He contrasts Trump's changing governance styles between his terms and discusses the implications of a stronger executive power. Gerstle critiques government inefficiencies, particularly compared to private sector approaches. The conversation also touches on rising authoritarianism in the U.S. and its effects on democracy, alongside the ongoing struggle for diverse national identities within America.

Gary Gerstle, an economic historian and author of The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order, discusses the decline of neoliberalism and the emergence of a jagged, leaderless world. He argues that Trump 2.0 signifies a shift from a flat world dominated by American ideals to one marked by rising borders and state capitalism. Gerstle examines the implications of presidential power, the challenges facing America's legal elites, and the chaotic nature of MAGA politics. He also expresses cautious optimism for a democratic response in this new landscape.