Empire

Fredrik Logevall, author of "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire," delivers insightful commentary on Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency and the Vietnam War. He examines LBJ's immediate struggle with America’s involvement post-JFK and the harrowing impact of Operation Rolling Thunder. The conversation dives into the assassination of President Diem, contrasting leadership styles, and the devastating aerial assaults that led to staggering civilian casualties. Logevall also highlights the generational divide sparked by the war and its lasting effects on American society.

Fredrik Logevall, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Vietnam War expert, joins to delve into the historical complexities of the Vietnam War. He explores Ho Chi Minh’s transformation from a Boston chef to a nationalist leader, inspired by French literature. Fredrik discusses the effects of colonialism, American foreign policy, and the intricate dynamics leading up to the war. He highlights key events like the Geneva Conference and contrasts the leadership styles of Ho Chi Minh and his rivals, shedding light on how the war's narrative unfolded.

In a riveting discussion, historian Alex von Tunzelmann, author of 'Red Heat', takes us through the tumultuous U.S.-Cuba relationship during Fidel Castro's rise to power. He explores how Castro transformed from a non-communist leader to a critical player in Cold War tensions. The failed Bay of Pigs invasion and its catastrophic aftermath are highlighted, along with the absurd assassination plots orchestrated by the CIA. Finally, the podcast delves into the high-stakes drama of the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing how close the world came to nuclear catastrophe.

In this engaging discussion, historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, author of Red Heat, demystifies the Cuban Revolution. He explores how Cuba transformed from a vibrant American party island to a revolutionary stronghold under Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. The conversation reveals the complexities of U.S. intervention, the political turmoil leading to Castro's rise, and significant events like the Moncada barracks attack that solidified his legendary status. Insightful literary influences during imprisonment and the spark of revolution deepen the narrative.

In this discussion, Paul Thomas Chamberlin, an Associate Professor of History at Columbia University, dives into the brutal legacy of the Korean War, which resulted in around 3 million casualties. He highlights the profound impact of the conflict on the division of the Korean Peninsula and the rise of Kim Il Sung. Chamberlin also examines General MacArthur's complex legacy and the harrowing realities of urban warfare, including the use of white phosphorus. The conversation culminates in insights about the war's ongoing geopolitical implications.

Paul Thomas Chamberlin, an Associate Professor of History at Columbia University and author of "The Cold War's Killing Fields," dives into the tumultuous history of the Korean Peninsula. He discusses Korea's transformation from a unified nation during Japanese occupation to its division post-World War II. The rivalry between figures like Syngman Rhee and Kim Il-sung is explored, highlighting how their contrasting ideologies shaped North and South Korea. Chamberlin also examines the Cold War's influence on Korean nationalism, revealing the complexities that led to ongoing tensions.

Join journalist and podcaster Kavita Puri as she uncovers the harrowing realities of the 1943 Bengal Famine, often labeled “Churchill’s Famine.” Puri delves into personal testimonies that reveal the trauma and resilience of survivors. She explores how the famine fueled India’s independence movement, driven by public outrage against British colonial rule. The complexities of aid and government indifference, particularly from figures like Churchill, are laid bare, shedding light on the moral responsibilities of authority during a humanitarian crisis.

Kavita Puri, a talented journalist and podcaster, joins the discussion to shed light on the tragic Bengal Famine of 1943. The conversation dives into the devastating impact of the British denial policy amid WWII, highlighting the starvation that pushed countless Bengalis to flee their homes. They also tackle Churchill's controversial decisions, revealing how political neglect exacerbated the crisis. Emotional stories from survivors illustrate the human cost of this forgotten tragedy and the importance of acknowledging such painful memories in our history.

Join historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of "How to Hide an Empire," as he dives into the brutal colonization of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Immerwahr discusses the chilling orders of General Jacob Smith and the horrific consequences for the Filipino population. He also examines the racial theories that justified imperial ambitions and the complexities of Americanization. The struggle for independence led by Emilio Aguinaldo against American imperialism reveals the stark realities of colonialism and its lasting impacts.

Joining the discussion is Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern University history professor and author of "How to Hide an Empire." He dives into Teddy Roosevelt's controversial initiation of the Spanish-American War during an osteopathic break. The talk explores Cuba's crucial economic role and the moral dilemmas of American imperialism. They highlight Roosevelt's dynamic persona and the jingoism that fueled war fever, alongside reflections on the lasting impacts of this conflict on U.S. identity and colonial ambitions.