Explaining History

In this gripping episode of *Explaining History*, we delve into the shadowy world of espionage, conflict, and moral ambiguity with intelligence writer Henry Hemming, author of the explosive new book on one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles, the IRA double agent known as Stakeknife. Henry Hemming takes us behind the veil of secrecy to reveal the complex life of Stakeknife, who, whil...

In this gripping episode of *Explaining History*, we delve into the shadowy world of espionage, conflict, and moral ambiguity with intelligence writer Henry Hemming, author of the explosive new book on one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles, the IRA double agent known as Stakeknife. Henry Hemming takes us behind the veil of secrecy to reveal the complex life of Stakeknife, who, whil...

In this episode of Explaining History , we sit down with the acclaimed writer Bruce Tapping, author of, "Bruce's Complete Timeline of the World." Join us as we embark on a fascinating journey through the timeline, unravelling the complexities of our past, from the agricultural revolutions that reshaped society to the intellectual awakening of the Renaissance. Bruce offers his unique insights into...

In "Mexico, America, and NAFTA 1994-1995," we delve into the intricate web of economic, political, and social ramifications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the mid-90s, guided by insights from John Gray's seminal work, "False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism." This episode sheds light on the high hopes and harsh realities that followed the implementation of NAFTA, foc...

In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we delve into the complex and often overlooked intersection of Neoliberalism and National Liberation Movements during the pivotal decades of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Drawing insights from Quinn Slobodian's insightful book "Globalists," we unravel the ideological and practical challenges that the process of decolonization presented to neoliberal th...

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve deep into the heart of the twentieth century's most defining conflict: World War II. Often remembered as "The Good War," this episode, inspired by Geoffrey Wheatcroft's insightful essay and Richard Overy's comprehensive study, invites listeners to re-examine the conventional narratives that have shaped our understanding of the war. Throug...

Hi everyone, I get trolled from time to time on Twitter by various far right types who object to a particular video I did years ago which states that Hitler was not, in fact, a socialist and did not , in fact, have socialist ideas. Here I revisit the argument, though I doubt it will do me much good. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts (unless you want to tell me he is a socialist, and whilst...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the often overlooked conservative resistance on American college campuses during the height of the counter-culture movement. Join us as we sit down with Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, academic at the University of New Orleans and distinguished historian and author, who sheds light on the dynamic and complex interactions b...

Description: In this insightful episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we delve into a pivotal period in British history - the years 1968-1970 under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Roy Jenkins. Drawing from Kenneth O. Morgan's meticulously researched book "The People's Peace," we explore the significant economic challenges and austerity measu...

Hi everyone, this is a podcast I should have done a couple of months ago and I have been remise in not creating it sooner. This are some thoughts on the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and shar...

In this captivating episode of the Explaining History podcast, we sit down with David Slattery-Christy, author of "Flyte Or Fancy," to delve into the tragic and fascinating life of aristocrat Harry Clifton. Join us as we explore the tumultuous world of Harry Clifton, a figure whose life story reads like a novel, filled with grandeur, crisis, and heartbreak. David Slattery-Christybrings to life the...

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we turn our focus to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Merze Tate, a groundbreaking intellectual whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the study of international relations, disarmament, colonialism and post colonialism, race, gender and injustice. Joining us for this exploration is esteemed Professor Barbara Savage, an expert...

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we dive deep into the complex legacy of Che Guevara, the iconic revolutionary figure whose image has transcended generations. Our special guest, acclaimed author Otto English, joins us to discuss his new book, "Fake Heroes," which critically examines the myths and realities surrounding Che Guevara. English, known for his incisive analysis and enga...

Description: In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the clandestine world of the Special Air Service (SAS) during its critical missions in Italy from 1943 to 1945. Joining us is n historian and author Damien Lewis, an expert on the SAS, whose new book "Forged in Hell" meticulously chronicles this intriguing chapter of World War II history. Lewis provides captivating insig...

 Winthrop Bell is probably the most important spy you've never heard of. In this episode of the Explaining History podcast we hear about his life and exploits and his attempts during the 1930s to draw attention to the growing threat that Nazism posed. Academic and author Jason Bell joins us on the podcast to discuss the life, career and legacy of Winthrop Bell and his new book Cracking the Na...

In this episode of Explaining History, we delve deep into the origins and enduring impact of one of the world's most powerful hymns: "Amazing Grace." A song that has transcended boundaries of religion, race, and nation, it has served as an anthem for both the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement in the United States. Joining us for this exploration is the esteemed Professor Emeritus...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with esteemed historian David Veevers to discuss his latest work, "The Great Defiance." Beyond the usual tales of empire-building and domination, Veevers sheds light on the often overlooked stories of those who stood up, resisted, and defied the might of English and later British colonizers throughout the early modern period. Together, we delve deep i...

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, I'm joined by Professor Chad Williams to explore the life and thought of W.E.B. Du Bois, the foremost intellectual of the civil rights movement. We discuss his complex and often difficult relationship with the First World War and its aftermath and his unfinished work, African Americans and the Wounded World. This is a fascinating discussion of Du...

In this episode, I've had the pleasure of talking with a good friend of the podcast, Alvaro Gomez Velasco, our eyewitness on contemporary politics in Spain. We explore the recent rise of right wing populism across Europe and the growth of the Vox movement in Spain. Examining the legacy of Franco, the suppression of the Catalan independence movement and the issue of immigration, we explore the reas...

Description: In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we embark on a journey through modern economic history, tracing the evolution of global free markets from the height of Victorian Britain to the transformative concepts of Francis Fukuyama's "End of History." Drawing insights from the seminal work "False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism" by renowned scholar John Gray, we delve...

This episode takes our listeners on a remarkable journey into the tumultuous period of the 1970s in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, as seen through the lens of James McManus, the former Africa correspondent for The Guardian. McManus was not just a journalist chronicling events from the periphery; he was in the thick of it, engaging with pivotal figures who would shape the course of the nation's history. In an...

**Explaining History Podcast Episode Description:** In the highly anticipated second installment of our conversations with the esteemed Professor Jean Phaelzer, author of the groundbreaking work, "California: A Slave State," we delve deeper into the interwoven tapestry of California's historical landscape. The Gold Rush, a period synonymous with opportunity and prosperity, bore witness to the dark...

In this episode, we navigate the contemporary debates around colonialism, empire and slavery and its resonating echoes in modern culture wars with the guidance of Professor Alan Lester. As an eminent historian, Alan brings profound insight into the intricate relationship between colonial legacies and the contemporary debates surrounding them. Together, we journey into the heart of the British Empi...

n this eye-opening episode, we journey into the often-overlooked history of slavery in California, guided by the insights of Professor Jean Pfaelzer, author of the seminal book, "California: A Slave State." Pfaelzer's groundbreaking research uncovers a hidden chapter of California's past, where the institution of slavery played a significant, if clandestine, role. Through an engaging conversation,...

In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the intellectual climate of 1930s Europe, as detailed in Richard Overy's illuminating work, "The Morbid Age." The episode seeks to uncover the complex web of fears, anxieties, and escalating tensions that pervaded Britain and the broader European landscape, leading many to view the outbreak of war as an inevitability by the late 1930...