This is Democracy

This week features Michael Vorenberg, an associate professor of history at Brown University and expert on the Civil War and Lincoln. He discusses the complexities of ending wars in democracies, including varied perspectives on when the Civil War ended. The conversation dives into Lincoln's vision for reconciliation and how his assassination altered those efforts. Vorenberg also draws parallels between historical conflicts and contemporary issues, emphasizing the importance of recognizing unresolved legacies in today's democratic landscape.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Donald Downs delve into the importance of free speech in democratic societies. They explore its historical significance, current threats, and what individuals can do to protect it. Their discussion includes insights on social media censorship, free speech on college campuses, and the legal perspectives surrounding free speech in government service. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "Ode to Blasphemy." Donald Downs is the Alexander Meiklejohn Professor of Political Science Emeritus at UW-Madison. Downs’ scholarship has dealt with a wide range of issues, including:  freedom of speech; academic freedom; and civic education. His prize-winning books include: Nazis in Skokie: Freedom, Community and the First Amendment; Restoring Free Speech and Liberty on Campus; and Arms and the University: Military Presence and the Civic Education of Non-Military Students. In 2013, Downs received the national Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Academic Freedom Award for his defense of academic freedom and freedom of thought.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Dr. Maha Nassar about her insights on the Palestinian experience, identity, and history. They delve into the complexities of Palestinian and Israeli narratives, and emphasize the importance of open conversations, listening with empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "On The Other Side." Dr. Maha Nassar is an associate professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona, where she specializes in the modern history of Palestine and the Arabic-speaking world. Her award-winning book, Brothers Apart: Palestinian Citizens of Israel and the Arab World (Stanford University Press, 2017), shows how mid-twentieth century Palestinian intellectuals inside the Green Line connected to global decolonization movements. Her academic scholarship has been published in IJMES, Journal of Palestine Studies, Arab Studies Journal, and elsewhere. In 2024 Dr. Nassar was recognized as a Woman of Impact by the University of Arizona’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Impact.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the transformation of mainstream media and journalism over the past few decades with Martin Di Caro. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "If Anyone Is Listening." Award-winning journalist Martin Di Caro is the host of "History As It Happens," a podcast for people who want to think historically about current events. Based in Washington, D.C., Martin launched "History As It Happens" in 2021 after working for decades at major radio stations and news organizations, including the Associated Press and Bloomberg Radio. You can subscribe to "History As It Happens" on Substack or: http://historyasithappens.com.

Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Sarah Coleman to discuss President Donald Trump's immigration executive orders that have occurred within his first few days in office. Zachary opens with his poem, "Return to Lady Liberty". Sarah Coleman is a professor of 20th century American History at Texas State University. Her research is focused on immigration, race, and rights in the United States. She is a former advisor to President Biden and the author of: The Walls Within: The Politics of Immigration in Modern America.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Austin, Texas city council member Dr. Alison Alter, who offers her insights from her eight-year tenure on the council. The discussion covers the significant impact local government has on daily life, the challenges of public service, and the importance of citizen involvement in local politics. Zachary opens the episode with a personal poem dedicated to Dr. Alter, who is also his mother, titled "For Mom". Dr. Alison Alter was elected to the Austin City Council in December 2016. She served in this role through January 2025, when she was term-limited by the Austin City Charter. Dr. Alter has been widely recognized for her rigorous, energetic, and forward-looking leadership of one of America’s fastest growing cities.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss significant events and favorite episodes of 2024, reflecting on a year marked by political, social, and environmental challenges, and consider reasons for optimism and hope in 2025.

Mai Barazi was born in Syria, where she lived half of her life before moving to the United States. She received her Master’s degree in public leadership from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin. Mai has worked extensively on international refugee and resettlement issues. She has worked in humanitarian relief and education on the ground in numerous conflict zones, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Syria.

Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Meg Reiss to discuss what kinds of protections the United States should initiate through tariff measures on open trade. The discussion covers the complexities of the supply chain security and the dangers of open trade. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "On the Border." Dr. Meg Reiss received her Ph.D. from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. She was the national security advisor to Senator Mitt Romney from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Reiss is the founder and CEO of SolidIntel, a company using artificial intelligence to help manage global supply chains.

Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Michael Kimmage to discuss the state of the war in Ukraine. The discussion covers the complexities of the ongoing conflict, the geopolitical ramifications, and the humanitarian impact on the local populace. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "The Village." Dr. Michael Kimmage is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He is also a fellow at the German Marshall Fund, and chair of the Advisory Council for the Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC. From 2014 to 2017, Kimmage served on the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State, where he held the Russia/Ukraine portfolio. He publishes widely on international affairs, U.S.-Russian relations and American diplomatic history. Kimmage is the author of: The Conservative Turn: Lionel Trilling, Whittaker Chambers and the Lessons of Anti-Communism (2009); In History’s Grip: Philip Roth’s Newark Trilogy (2012); and The Abandonment of the West: The History of an Idea in American Foreign Policy (2020). His new book is Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability (2024).