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Stephen R. Platt

Author of Imperial Twilight, dismantling the myths of the Opium War. He is also the author of The Raider, the untold story of a renegade Marine.

Top 3 podcasts with Stephen R. Platt

Ranked by the Snipd community
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49 snips
May 14, 2025 • 48min

255. Victorian Narcos: From Opium To Fentanyl (Ep 9)

Stephen R. Platt, author of Imperial Twilight, dives into the complex legacy of the Opium Wars and their lasting impact on China. He explores the absurd grievances that sparked the Second Opium War and the tragic fate of the Summer Palace during this turbulent time. The discussion also draws unsettling parallels between historical opium crises and today’s fentanyl epidemic in America, revealing how themes of humiliation and power loss resonate across time. This engaging conversation illuminates the ethical dilemmas and imperial shadows haunting geopolitics today.
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12 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 22min

The Raider: China and the Life of Evans Carlson, with Historian Stephen Platt

Stephen Platt, a UMass Amherst historian and author of 'The Raider', discusses Evans Carlson, a transformative yet underrecognized Marine in WWII. He explores Carlson's ideological evolution, his intricate relationships with figures like FDR, and the impact of his experiences in China on his worldview. The conversation delves into Carlson's unique leadership style, his 'Gung Ho' meetings, and the broader implications for Sino-American relations. Platt also shares engaging insights about his own literary passions and the legacies of historical figures.
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6 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 56min

Ep 219: Stephen Platt on Mao's China and the Original Marine Raider

Stephen Platt, a Professor of Chinese history at UMass Amherst and author, dives into the fascinating life of Marine Evans Carlson. He discusses Carlson's surprising shift from anti-communism to supporting Chinese communists, influenced by his experiences in Nicaragua. The conversation highlights Carlson’s vital role as a bodyguard for FDR and his insights on U.S.-China relations. Listeners will also learn about the formation of the Marine Raiders and their heroic yet complex legacy in World War II.

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