Recently Published

A Ghost of Galileo in the English Civil War

by John Heilbron

An obscure English painting containing an image of Galileo's "Dialogues" launches a deep consideration of the political and intellectual stakes of free inquiry during the English Civil War.

The Politicization of the American Judiciary

by James D. Zirin

Judicial elections are the latest target of GOP gerrymandering, spurred by the rejection of Team Trump's election lawsuits. 

Racist Zoombombings the Latest Application of Technology by White Supremacists

by Roy E. Finkenbine

White supremacist keyboard warriors appear to have declared a cyber war against Black History Month.

Is Virginia's Move to Abolish the Beginning of the End of the Death Penalty in America?

by Rick Halperin

Virginia's move to abolish capital punishment is long overdue, and other states and the federal government should follow suit to restore American legitimacy on global human rights. 

The "War on Cancer" at 50: The Most Fruitful Failure in Human History

by Judith L. Pearson

Announced by Richard Nixon in 1971, the "War on Cancer" has not yielded a cure. But it has driven research that has deepened understanding of cancers and developed life-saving treatments, while erasing ignorance and stigma. It has been one of humanity's most successful failures. 

The Original Storming of the Capitol

by Stephen Dando-Collins

The January 6, 2021 siege of the Capitol in Washington DC has eerie parallels with a much earlier event, the AD 69 siege of the Capitoline Mount in Rome.

Must the Capitol Riots be Included in the Legacy of American Dissent?

by Ralph Young

Teachers of history might feel a disconnect between praising American traditions of dissent and condemning the Capitol riots. They shouldn't. Historical evaluation of the grievances of dissenters, whatever their methods, finds real grievances, not lies, at the root of dissent.

Who Deserves Credit for Inventing Vaccination? And Why Does it Matter Today?

by John Rhodes

Historical honesty requires acknowledging the African and Asian inoculation practices that preceded and enabled Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine. Telling this story more broadly might also encourage vulnerable communities of color to embrace the COVID vaccine.

"Hamilton" and Politics Today

by Donald J. Fraser

The phenomenally successful "Hamilton" takes some liberties with its subject, but it still offers some valuable perspective on our politics today. 

Don't Defend Democracy With Half-Truths About the Past

by Brook Thomas

Although the Capitol riots raised deep concern about the rule of law, there is a deeper challenge ahead of the nation: to understand and change the undemocratic aspects of our foundational law and refuse half-measures in the name of unity.

January 6, 2021: A Day of Populist Transgression

by Robert A. Schneider

The Capitol riot included a small core of actors bent on destruction, with many more along for the ride reveling in a moment of transgression. In this way, it was a microcosm of the Trumpian movement that, now unleashed, will be difficult to contain.

Trump Was Almost Re-Elected. What Does That Say About Us?

by Walter G. Moss and Rick Shenkman

Joe Biden's popular vote and electoral margins were large, but only a small number of votes proved decisive. Moving ahead, it is necessary to understand what Trump's ongoing popularity says about America.

Advice to POTUS 46 from POTUS 1

by David O. Stewart

The author of a recent political biography of George Washington wonders how the first president would guide the most recent one. 

Cynicism and Political Blunder: A Postscript to “The January 6th Assault on Congress and the Fate of the GOP’s Faustian Bargain"

by Jeffrey Herf

Mitch McConnell's decision to condemn Trump after voting for his acquittal wasn't just an act of cowardice. The acts taken together constitute a major tactical blunder in the emerging battle for control of the Republican Party. 

Lincoln and the Lesson of Leading From Behind

by Michael J. Gerhardt

Joe Biden's inaugural address signals his willingness to follow Abraham Lincoln in "leading from behind" by listening and lifting the voices of others. 

Heed the Cornerman's Cry

by Mike McQuillan

The failure to heed the warnings of the Kerner Commission in 1968 – of a society divided by racism and inequality – has led to ongoing suffering and a politics of resentment over an ethic of mutual care.

Opportunities for a Catholic President, Then and Now

by Patrick Lacroix

Polling of religious voters might encourage Democrats to give up on reaching them. John F. Kennedy's experience shows that Joe Biden, as the second Catholic President, could succeed in narrowing the gap. 

What Becomes of a Broken Party?

by James Robenalt

The Republican Party seems to be refusing the opportunity to save itself by rejecting Trumpism. His acquittal in a second Senate trial means he will be free to demand the party bend to his will or be destroyed. 

Political Violence: Still as American as Cherry Pie

by Alan J. Singer

SNCC leader H. Rap Brown declared that violence was "American as cherry pie" in 1967. Though his remarks were scorned then, he was correct, and no movement for justice can succeed without acknowledging it.   

How Abraham Lincoln Can Inspire Peace for Yemen

by William Lambers

The postwar "friendship train" campaign involved Americans personally in delivering food to the hungry in Europe, and symbolized the nation's larger commitment to the Marshall Plan. A similar broad effort could help advance the policies needed to end the humanitarian crisis of war and starvation in Yemen.