Paul Poast

Paul Poast, associate professor of political science at the University of Chicago, unpacks the history and practice of realism in international relations. He traces realism's roots, critiques modern rhetoric that confuses realism with militarism, and argues for pragmatic restraint and selective intervention. He also uses historical cases to show how dramatic tactics can backfire.

Paul Poast, a political scientist on foreign policy and security; Ryan Kellogg, an energy economist focused on oil and resources; Christopher Blattman, a development scholar expert on conflict and organized crime. They unpack Maduro's removal, the intelligence and planning behind the operation, oil investment prospects, sanctions and migration trade-offs, regional power shifts, and realistic paths forward for Venezuela.

Paul Poast, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, delves into the alarming surge in global violence, asserting it's the highest in 80 years. He discusses the chaotic conflict landscape in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Gaza, as well as gang violence in Latin America. Poast explains the alarming rise of non-state conflicts fueled by technology, weak governments, and environmental stressors. He also explores the waning dominance of the U.S. in a shifting multipolar world and its ramifications for international stability.

The new Oppenheimer movie has everyone asking questions about the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945 - were two bombs necessary? Would the war have ended without it? Was there an ulterior motive? Would the Americans have dropped a third if they had it?At the end of WWII, the Manhattan Project demonstrated the power humanity had harnessed for destruction. When the uranium bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on the 6th of August 1945, city residents saw a flash of light and a loud boom- virtually everything within a 2-mile radius was destroyed. Those who survived the initial impact were then caught in subsequent firestorms and after that, many succumbed to radiation poisoning. It's estimated 1 in 3 were killed. 3 days later, Nagasaki suffered the same fate.At the time, it was said it was necessary to end the war and to show why these weapons should never be used again. But is that true? To answer some of the questions we've all been asking after learning about Oppenheimer, Dan is joined by Professor Paul Poast from the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago who explains how the decision was really made to drop the bombs, what would have happened if they hadn't and reveals that the Manhattan Project was actually more about impressing Stalin than destroying Japan.Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code DANSNOW. Download the app or sign up here.PLEASE VOTE NOW! for Dan Snow's History Hit in the British Podcast Awards Listener's Choice category here. Every vote counts, thank you!We'd love to hear from you- what do you want to hear an episode on? You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Paul Poast, a military historian and academic at the University of Chicago, as he unpacks the shocking 36-hour rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Explore Prigozhin's journey from hot dog vendor to a pivotal player in Russian politics. Dive into discussions on Vladimir Putin's vulnerabilities, the Wagner Group's influence, and the unsettling implications for Russia's military efforts amidst internal turmoil. Poast also reflects on how this episode mirrors historical precedents that could lead to drastic changes in the Kremlin.

Dr. Paul Poast, a University of Chicago political scientist and author of Wheat at War, explores shifting global order and alliance politics. He discusses the move to multipolarity and NATO’s evolving role. He examines social media’s impact on perceptions, the Indo-Pacific’s rising importance, predictability of conflicts, and how crises produce supranational institutions.

Paul Poast, an associate professor of political science at the University of Chicago, dives into the complex outcomes of the Ukraine conflict. They discuss scenarios from potential regime change to the risk of a disastrous quagmire. Poast emphasizes Putin's imperial ambitions and the challenges they pose for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation touches on the impact of military accomplishments on political goals, raising important questions about the cascading effects of the war both regionally and globally.

Jake Braun, cybersecurity expert who led White House cyber roles, Paul Poast, political scientist focused on warfare and alliances, and Ryan Kellogg, energy economist on oil markets, discuss Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, soaring oil supply shocks, cyber and AI-enabled attacks, coalition reluctance among European and Gulf powers, and shifting strategic goals and great-power dynamics.

Paul Poast, an international-relations scholar of alliances, and Rosella Cappella Zielinski, a political-economy expert on conflict finance, discuss how World War I allies tackled wheat shortages. They narrate the crisis from stem rust and submarine warfare to the creation and workings of the Wheat Executive. They trace its evolution, US tensions over sovereignty, and its legacy for later Allied planning.

Paul Poast, a University of Chicago political scientist studying alliances, and Rosella Cappella-Zielinski, a scholar of political economy and conflict finance, discuss the Wheat Executive. They recount wartime wheat shortages, stem rust and U-boat threats, and how allies pooled buying and shipping authority. The conversation traces maritime coordination, US integration, and the institution’s postwar legacies.