Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchH.W. Brands recounts how amid the 1940 Battle of Britain, FDR breaks tradition by seeking a third term, prompting Lindbergh to warn of a "presidency for life" as he becomes the star speaker for the newly formed America First Committee. Lindbergh draws mas
Season 8 Episode 764
H.W. Brands recounts how amid the 1940 Battle of Britain, FDR breaks tradition by seeking a third term, prompting Lindbergh to warn of a "presidency …
2 weeks, 2 days ago
H.W. Brands explains how FDR seeks to modify the Neutrality Acts as war intensifies, while Lindbergh and several senators distrust the president's incremental march toward war. FDR counters by labeling critics "isolationists" and "ignorant," while careful
Season 8 Episode 764
H.W. Brands explains how FDR seeks to modify the Neutrality Acts as war intensifies, while Lindbergh and several senators distrust the president's in…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
H.W. Brands describes how Germany's invasion of Poland by summer 1939 prompts Lindbergh to utilize his fame to oppose American intervention. Influenced by his father's persecution for opposing World War I, Lindbergh begins broadcasting radio speeches argu
Season 8 Episode 764
H.W. Brands describes how Germany's invasion of Poland by summer 1939 prompts Lindbergh to utilize his fame to oppose American intervention. Influen…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
H.W. Brands recounts how world-famous aviator Charles Lindbergh returns to America in April 1939 amidst global tension. Known for his 1927 flight and the tragic "trial of the century," he arrives with deep skepticism of European colonial wars. Franklin Ro
Season 8 Episode 764
H.W. Brands recounts how world-famous aviator Charles Lindbergh returns to America in April 1939 amidst global tension. Known for his 1927 flight and…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
In 2019, the Tishreen uprising saw a young, trans-sectarian generation denounce the "kleptocratic elite" and government corruption. Despite brutal state violence that killed hundreds, the protests represented a rare moment of unity as Shia youth challen
Season 8 Episode 763
In 2019, the Tishreen uprising saw a young, trans-sectarian generation denounce the "kleptocratic elite" and government corruption. Despite brutal st…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
The Battle for Mosul in 2017 was a grueling, house-to-house urban war inflicting massive psychological trauma on a new generation of Iraqis. ISIS was revealed as a "melange" of local villagers and international volunteers who alienated the population thro
Season 8 Episode 763
The Battle for Mosul in 2017 was a grueling, house-to-house urban war inflicting massive psychological trauma on a new generation of Iraqis. ISIS was…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
The "tragedy of the Sunnis" stemmed from their lack of a monolithic political project and internal tribal infighting. In cities like Ramadi, total chaos left civilians caught in the crossfire as ISIS capitalized on fragmentation by providing a sense of "o
Season 8 Episode 763
The "tragedy of the Sunnis" stemmed from their lack of a monolithic political project and internal tribal infighting. In cities like Ramadi, total ch…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
By 2011, Baghdad was physically transformed by concrete blast walls institutionalizing sectarian division. Abdul-Ahad critiques Maliki's government for hollowing out the military through systemic corruption, turning units into "money-making machines." The
Season 8 Episode 763
By 2011, Baghdad was physically transformed by concrete blast walls institutionalizing sectarian division. Abdul-Ahadcritiques Maliki's government fo…
2 weeks, 2 days ago
The 2006 execution of Saddam Hussein is characterized as "victor's justice," allowing the former dictator to appear dignified compared to his petty, sectarian captors. Prime Minister Maliki deepened sectarian wounds, while "the Sada" became a notorious du
Season 8 Episode 763
The 2006 execution of Saddam Hussein is characterized as "victor's justice," allowing the former dictator to appear dignified compared to his petty, …
2 weeks, 2 days ago
Following the invasion, the return of political exiles "frozen in time" created a divide with local Iraqis who viewed them with suspicion. The Americans' decision to disband the Iraqi army fostered a massive security vacuum, enabling the rise of the patri
Season 8 Episode 763
Following the invasion, the return of political exiles "frozen in time" created a divide with local Iraqis who viewed them with suspicion. The Americ…
2 weeks, 2 days ago