The Socialist Challenge: A History of Socialism in America

woman holding an American (US) flag and a flag with a hammer and sickle illustrates the history of socialism in America

What’s the history of socialism in America? What have socialists aimed to advance, and why haven’t they been more successful? In his book A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn delves into American socialism, tracing its growth and impact. The Socialist Party of America promoted workers’ rights and government regulation but faced challenges as it pushed for collective ownership. Keep reading to learn about “the Socialist Challenge” according to Howard Zinn.

China-US Relations Today: Insights From NPR News Now

Flags of the United States and China side by side, representing China-US relations today

What’s the state of China-US relations today? Is there conflict? China-US relations today are characterized by tension and competition, with each country trying to limit the influence of the other. A recent meeting between leaders may be a building block for a more peaceful future, but conflict remains. Here’s more on the relationship between these superpowers, from a recent report on NPR News Now.

Ukraine’s Drone Attacks on Russia (The Daily Podcast)

military drone with missiles flying over a mountainous area representing Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russia

How does Ukraine’s secretive drone program aim to counter Russian aggression? What are the key concerns regarding the potential escalation of conflict resulting from Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russia itself? An episode of The Daily podcast dived into the bold and secretive world of Ukraine’s drone warfare initiative as it ventures into Russian territory. The discussion explored themes of adaptation, psychological impact, and global implications. Continue reading for a summary of the episode, along with important context, perspectives worth considering, and recommendations for further reading.

How Congress Is Working to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Capitol building in Washington DC where the United States Congress works to avoid a government shutdown

How is Congress going to avoid a government shutdown? What are the consequences of a shutdown if it does happen? To avoid a government shutdown, Congress is working on bipartisan funding bills to keep services running and federal employees paid. However, some critics argue that these temporary funding bills are insufficient for addressing the greater issue of overspending. Read this summary of a snippet from NPR News Now on the potential shutdown.

The Great Depression and the New Deal: A People’s History

A poor American family holding a “Job Wanted” in the street sign illustrates history of the Great Depression and the New Deal

What’s the history of the Great Depression and the New Deal? Did the New Deal truly solve the problems caused by the Depression? Howard Zinn analyzes the Great Depression and the New Deal, highlighting the surge in labor unrest and activism. Despite the introduction of social programs, the New Deal ultimately favored elite interests and failed to address racial issues, particularly the ongoing neglect of Black Americans. Read more to learn more about this historical perspective.

Drones in Combat: Lessons From the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

military drone in combat flight with missiles over a mountainous region

How do drone strikes reshape defense strategies? What unseen psychological tolls do drones inflict? How has the use of drones in combat evolved? An episode of The Daily podcast explored the impactful role of drones in modern warfare through Ukraine’s strategic drone strikes against Russian military targets and infrastructure. These precision attacks have reshaped defense strategies, while also influencing psychological dynamics in the conflict. Read more for a summary of the episode, along with some vital context and considerations.

War Is the Health of the State: Howard Zinn on the World Wars

Troops fighting in a trench in World War I, of which it's been said that "War is the health of the state"

Why did the United States enter World War I and World War II? Who benefited? In A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn discusses World War I and World War II in the chapters “War Is the Health of the State” and “A People’s War?” The wars represented some of the first times the new American empire acted on a global stage. Keep reading to learn about American participation in each war and the popular response to them.

The Impossible Victory: A People’s History of the Vietnam War

A person holding a sign with the peace symbol illustrates a people's history of the Vietnam War ("The Impossible Victory")

How did the US involvement in Vietnam turn into a full-scale war? What tactics did the US employ? In what ways did the anti-Vietnam War movement gain momentum in the US? In the chapter “The Impossible Victory: Vietnam” of his book A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn details the complexities of the Vietnam War. He sheds light on the significant role of the draft in shaping public sentiment and resistance movements. Continue reading to get a people’s history of the Vietnam War.

A People’s History of the Cold War (Howard Zinn)

A depiction of the White House and the Kremlin across the street from each other illustrates the history of the Cold War

What’s the history of the Cold War from “the people’s” perspective? What was it really about? Howard Zinn portrays the Cold War as a strategic endeavor by American elites to curb communism’s influence while safeguarding financial interests. The CIA’s covert operations and the Vietnam War showcase the lengths to which the US went to maintain dominance and thwart perceived threats. Read more to get Zinn’s take on this prolonged ideological conflict that dominated much of the 20th century.

Who Is Larry Elder? Understanding Conservative Politics

Larry Elder, conservative media figure, speaking on stage dressed in a suit

Who is Larry Elder? What’s his perspective on the current political climate? Larry Elder is a conservative podcast host and public figure who has provided support for politicians including Donald Trump and Ron Desantis. Elder works to counter what he sees as a negative media portrayal of conservatives on an episode of the PBD Podcast. Here is some context for what Larry Elder thinks and what his arguments are.