Historians in the News

The Dangers of Trump's Last Stand

While Trump's refusal to concede is alarming, historians Federico Finchelstein, Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Samuel Moyn say that Trump's presidency has been mostly bark and little bite; he has the bluster of a dictator, but not the skill or diligence to consolidate his power to transform major institutions. 

Authoritarians From Mussolini to Trump (review)

by Francis Fukuyama

The political theorist Francis Fukuyama offers a brief review of Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book on authoritarian strongmen, and suggests paying more attention to Trump's unique characteristics in order to prepare for future instances of Trumpism.

New Research Suggests Alexander Hamilton Was a Slave Owner

A recent paper by a researcher at th Schuyler Mansion looks into Alexander Hamilton's papers to argue that is reputation as an abolitionist is undeserved; he had personal dealings in purchasing enslaved laborers for his household. 

How the World Gave Up on the Stateless (Review)

Over 10 million people are stateless today, and governments seem hell-bent on increasing their numbers. A new book examines how the rise of modern states created the dire circumstance of statelessness. 

A Historical Perspective on Black & African American Capitalism (November 17)

Historian Marcia Chatelain will discuss the influence of franchised businesses on Black and African American business at noon on November 17. 

The Historian Jon Meacham, Who Wrote Of ‘The Soul Of America,’ Has Been Working On Biden’s Speeches

"Behind the scenes, Mr. Meacham has been playing a larger role than was previously known, both writing drafts of speeches and offering edits on many of Mr. Biden’s big addresses, including one he gave at Gettysburg last month and his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in August."

Alexander Hamilton, Enslaver? New Research Says Yes

A paper by a researcher at the Schuyler Mansion finds overlooked evidence in letters and Hamilton’s own account books indicating that he bought, sold and personally owned slaves.  

The Native American Government That Inspired the US Constitution

The government of the Iroquois Confederacy wasn't a template for the Constitution, but it was an example, visible to the framers, of concepts of federalism that were only abstractions in European political theory. 

An American Pogrom (Review)

by David W. Blight

David W. Blight reviews a new book on the 1898 Wilmington massacre and the violent overthrow of multiracial democracy in North Carolina. 

No Modern Presidential Candidate has Refused to Concede. Here’s Why that Matters.

Here’s how the loser’s concession went from nonexistent to an essential custom that all candidates have observed—albeit some less graciously than others.

What Public Education Advocates Want to See in Biden’s Pick to Succeed Betsy Devos

Education historian Diane Ravitch and education policy advocate Carol Burris write for Valerie Straus's education column and recommend rejecting the failed experiment applying market values to public schools through "choice," charter schools, and high-stakes testing.

‘Game-Changer’: Kamala Harris Makes History As Next Vice President

Historian Manisha Sinha contends that Kamala Harris's ascent to the vice presidency helps to make the case for America as an interracial democracy of men and women including immigrants.

There’s A Long History Behind Stacey Abrams

Historian Martha S. Jones places Stacey Abrams's political leadership in Georgia in the historical context of Black women's political organizing and activism. 

‘Harris Has the Potential To Change the Face of U.S. Politics’

Historians Tera Hunter, Keisha Blain, Daina Ramey Berry, Manisha Sinha and Joanne Freeman are among experts who predict the impact of Harris's service as Vice President. 

Trump’s Presidency May Be Over. The Effects of Trumpism on Campus are Not

The Trump presidency has raised issues about the extent of racial resentment in White America, the significance of identity politics, and the place of intellectual discovery and academic research in American life that are a long way from resolution. 

The Pandemic Is Dragging On. Professors Are Burning Out.

"For professors of all types, their responsibilities as teachers are causing many of them to feel pressed to meet the needs of the moment."

A Disputed Election Delivered 3 governors to Georgia – at the Same Time

by John A. Tures

As election results continue to come in around the country, it’s worth recalling that once, the state of Georgia found itself with a dead governor-elect – and three politicians who each insisted he was the real governor.

ASU Professor Explains 'Interracial Racism' And The History Between Asian And Black Americans

Asian American studies scholar Karen Kuo discusses the complex relationship between Asian and African Americans and sources of solidarity and division among minority groups. 

Inside Retro Report's Fact Checking Process

Joe Hogan, head of fact-checking at Retro Report, explains why fact-checking is a needed skill today.

The History of Pollsters Blowing it Decades before Trump vs. Biden

by Gillian Brockell

While the nation waits for an outcome in the agonizingly close 2020 election, it’s worth examining how we came to rely on polls.