Throughline

Dive into the intriguing world of neoliberalism, tracing its origins to a pivotal 1947 gathering in the Swiss Alps. Discover how this ideology evolved to influence our views on freedom, responsibility, and government roles. Explore the complex relationship between personal liberty and societal constraints, as well as the transformative impact of the New Deal during the Great Depression. The podcast also delves into Milton Friedman’s economic theories and their profound influence on modern politics and personal identities, unraveling the anxieties shaped by neoliberal ideals.

Michael Goodrum, a cultural history professor, discusses the evolution of Captain America as a symbol of American values. Comic book writer Danny Fingerroth shares insights from his time working with Stan Lee, emphasizing how heroism adapts over decades. Steve Englehart illuminates the complexities of morality in storytelling, particularly during times of conflict. Together, they explore how cultural shifts and significant historical events have shaped the iconic character, prompting listeners to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero in a changing America.

Kareem Sadjadpour is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and an adjunct professor at Georgetown, while Ali Alfoneh is a Senior Fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute and a researcher on the Revolutionary Guard. They discuss Qassem Soleimani’s ascent to power and his impact on Iran's military strategy. The conversation covers the complex U.S.-Iran relationship, the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and how Soleimani's leadership shifted Iran’s regional influence. They also reflect on the emotional aftermath of his assassination and its lasting legacy on national identity.

Explore the tumultuous history between Iran and the U.S. from the fallout of the 1979 Iranian Revolution to today's high-stakes tensions. Discover the multifaceted Iran-Iraq War and the controversial U.S. involvement that escalated conflicts, including the tragic downing of a civilian airliner. Dive into key events like the Beirut barracks bombing and the evolution of military tactics, including Iran's proxy warfare and cyber operations. The Stuxnet cyber-attack marks a pivotal moment, illustrating how digital warfare is reshaping international relations.

Steve Vladek, a law professor at Georgetown University and author of 'The Shadow Docket,' delves into the significant but often unnoticed impact of the Supreme Court's shadow docket. He discusses how this mechanism has become more prevalent since the Trump administration, influencing key rulings on immigration and other critical issues. The conversation also touches on the court's expanding power over life and death matters and the contentious nature of emergency rulings, all while challenging the public's trust and accountability within the judicial system.

Stephen Kinzer, author of 'All the Shah's Men,' dives into the roots of U.S.-Iran tensions, tracing back to the 1953 coup that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. He reveals the chaotic details of the CIA's operation, including the manipulation behind the scenes and the ambitious strategies of Kermit Roosevelt. Kinzer discusses how this pivotal moment not only shifted Iranian politics but also sowed the seeds for decades of conflict, showcasing the irony of both sides being funded by the same agency.

Leslie Regan, a historian and professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, dives into the history of abortion before Roe v. Wade. She reveals how abortion was once commonplace, facilitated by women and midwives, before a medical crusade shifted that narrative. Discussion topics include the rise and fall of figures like Madame Restell, the male-dominated medical assault on women's reproductive autonomy, and the ethical and racial motivations behind the criminalization of abortion in the 19th century.

Michael Studeman, an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric at Penn State, dives into the intriguing history of the first U.S. Department of Education created in 1867 after the Civil War. He discusses its ambitious inception aimed at unifying a fractured nation yet highlights how it was essentially shut down a year later. Studeman reveals how figures like Henry Barnard and Frederick Douglass were pivotal in advocating for educational equity, reflecting on the struggles for literacy among formerly enslaved Americans and the ongoing debates over federal versus local educational control.

Kirsten Downey, author of 'The Woman Behind the New Deal', sheds light on Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history. They discuss Perkins' transformative journey after witnessing the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which propelled her commitment to labor rights. Downey reveals how Perkins shaped critical policies like Social Security and the minimum wage, navigating a male-dominated political landscape. Listeners learn about her enduring legacy and influence on American social safety nets that continue to impact lives today.

In this discussion, legal experts Sarah Sayo and Paul Butler delve into the complexities of the Fourth Amendment and its intended limits on government power. Sayo explores how historical figures like James Otis influenced constitutional thought on search and seizure. Butler highlights the implications of landmark cases, including Terry v. Ohio, revealing the troubling intersection of racial profiling and police authority. Together, they dissect how interpretations of 'reasonable' searches continue to challenge civil liberties today.