Steven Hahn

Steven Hahn, an author known for his expertise on illiberalism, and Manisha Sinha, a specialist in the Second American Republic’s history, shed light on America's complex political landscape. They discuss the historical roots of illiberalism, particularly during the Reconstruction era, and highlight the crucial activism of African Americans in shaping civil rights. The conversation also delves into the nuanced relationships between women's suffrage, racial inclusion, and the implications of anti-Chinese sentiment as part of America's ongoing struggle for democracy and equality.

Steven Hahn, an NYU historian and author of "Illiberal America: A History," dissects the complex relationship between liberalism and its illiberal counterpart in American history. He reveals how seemingly progressive movements like eugenics and temperance often masked darker elements. Hahn dives into pivotal moments like the American Revolution, illustrating the nuanced tensions of American democracy. His insights on how social movements have sometimes fueled authoritarianism challenge the myth of a purely liberal America, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Steven Hahn, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and professor at New York University, unpacks the deep-seated illiberalism in American history in his new book. He challenges the belief that recent political upheavals are anomalies, revealing that exclusionary practices have long been woven into the fabric of American democracy. Hahn explores the tension between liberal ideals and illiberal traditions, examining historical movements for civil rights and the complicated intersections of race and gender. His insights urge listeners to reconsider the true narratives of American democratic evolution.