Mitch McConnell has been described as "opaque," "drab," and even "dull." He is one of the least popular - and most polarizing - politicians in the country. So how did he win eight consecutive elections? And what does it tell us about how he operates? This week, we share an episode we loved from Embedded that traces McConnell's political history.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Vinayak Savarkar, a pivotal figure in Hindu nationalism, is examined in the context of Narendra Modi's recent reelection. The discussion highlights how Savarkar's ideas have shaped today's political landscape, emphasizing the tensions between Hindu nationalism and India's secular roots. Listeners discover the complex dynamics of early 20th-century Indian politics, including rivalries and historical conflicts. The episode also delves into the controversial legacy of Savarkar following India's independence and his connection to the assassination of Gandhi.

Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in China's nationalist movement, discusses the tumultuous era that shaped modern China. He reflects on his journey from a young man in Hawaii to leading a revolutionary push against the Qing dynasty. The conversation explores the struggles during his rise to power, including his dramatic kidnapping and the challenges of the 1911 Revolution. Sun illuminates his vision for an industrialized nation and the critical principles that guided his quest for a unified China amid chaos and foreign influence.

Venezuela is facing an economic and humanitarian crisis as extreme poverty and violence have forced many to flee the country in recent years. How did a country once wealthy with oil resources fall into such turmoil? Through the lives of two revolutionaries turned authoritarian leaders separated by two centuries, we look back at the rise and fall of Venezuela.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The white nationalist ideas of Madison Grant influenced Congress in the 1920s, leaders in Nazi Germany, and members of the Trump administration. This week, we share an episode we loved from It's Been A Minute with Sam Sanders that explores a throughline of white nationalism in American politics from the early 20th century to today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

More than 700 measles cases have been recorded in the U.S. in the recent outbreak, the worst being in New York. This past April, Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a public health emergency that required residents in parts of Brooklyn to get vaccinated or face a fine of $1,000. In this episode, we look back at a 1905 Supreme Court case that set a precedent for enforcing compulsory vaccinations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Artificial intelligence, gene modification, and self-driving cars are causing fear and uncertainty about how technology is changing our lives. But humans have struggled to accept innovations throughout history. In this episode, we explore three innovations that transformed the world and show how people have adapted — and ask whether we can do the same today.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Sunni-Shia divide is a conflict that most people have heard about - two sects with Sunni Islam being in the majority and Shia Islam the minority. Exactly how did this conflict originate and when? We go through 1400 years of history to find the moment this divide first turned deadly and how it has evolved since.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nancy Pelosi is the highest-ranking woman in American politics. She made her first run for public office at 47 years old and went on to become Speaker of the House twice. How has she had such an enduring career, and where does her power lie? On this episode, we trace the rise of the Speaker.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A record number of Americans have died from opioid overdoses in recent years. But how did we get here? And is this the first time Americans have faced this crisis? The short answer: no.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy