Paul Starr

Pulitzer Prize–winning Princeton historian and sociologist; author of American Contradiction, discussing the historical roots of contemporary US divisions from the 1950s to the present.

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Oct 14, 2025 • 46min

America as a Contradiction Trapped Inside an even Bigger Contradiction: Princeton Historian's Explanation for Everything, Everywhere All at Once

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Paul Starr as he discusses the twisted narrative of American history. He explores how revolutions morph into reactions, from civil rights struggles to modern Trumpism. Starr emphasizes the foundational contradiction of freedom and slavery while acknowledging that technology and media amplify these conflicts. He also examines Nixon’s complex legacy and warns against oversimplifying race in politics. Ultimately, Starr highlights the ongoing, unpredictable nature of America's divisions and admits he offers no clear solutions.

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