Maurice J Casey

Maurice J. Casey, author of 'Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism's Forgotten Radicals,' dives into the rich tapestry of 20th-century revolutionaries who found refuge in Moscow's Hotel Lux. He recounts the intertwined stories of three families bound by love and idealism. The podcast reveals the emotional lives of these individuals against the backdrop of radicalism, the unsung heroes of revolution who supported change, and lessons of solidarity from historical struggles that resonate in today's quest for justice.

Maurice J Casey, a historian specializing in communism and author of "Hotel Lux," dives into the intriguing world of this revolutionary ideology. He discusses the journey from the impactful 1848 Communist Manifesto to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Casey highlights the motivations of marginalized groups within the movement and contrasts ancient communal practices with modern interpretations. He also unpacks misconceptions in American discourse about communism. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of Bolshevism and the relevance of these ideologies in today's society.

This discussion features Olga Tokariuk, a Ukrainian journalist shedding light on the impact of the war in Ukraine, John Everard, a former diplomat providing geopolitical insights, and Maurice Casey, author of 'Hotel Lux,' uncovering the history of communism's radicals. They tackle the precarious Israel-Gaza ceasefire and its geopolitical implications, the role of misinformation in politics, and the emotional connection between pets and soldiers in conflict. The conversation also humorously reflects on beavers' surprising societal roles and the Hotel Lux's revolutionary past.