New Books in History

Bradley R. Simpson, Associate Professor of History and Asian Studies, explores the contested meanings of self-determination across the twentieth century. He traces how decolonization, indigenous and regional movements, the UN, and Cold War power politics shaped competing visions. The conversation spans Pacific islands, economic sovereignty, transnational activism, and modern parallels like Palestine and Greenland.

Elizabeth Kelly Gray, Associate Professor of History at Towson University who studies addiction and early American history, traces habit-forming drug use from 1776 to 1914. She discusses widespread medical opiate use, laudanum and morphine among middle-class women, hashish and opium den culture, shifting public attitudes after the Civil War, and how early regulation transformed a health issue into a legal one.

Susannah Wilson, Associate Professor of French Studies and author of A Most Quiet Murder, explores a late 19th-century French child death through archives and medical records. She traces an abduction, a troubled woman’s reputation, morphine use and suspected simulated illness. The conversation probes courtroom reporting, gendered moral panic, and how psychiatric expertise shaped public judgment.

John M. Findlay, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington, dives into the transformative impact of World War II on the American West, highlighting its ongoing influence. He discusses how federal investments reshaped the economy and population, creating a perpetual state of mobilization. Findlay also explores the West's role in social movements of the 1960s and 70s, the mechanics of direct democracy in politics, and the enduring issues of land ownership conflicts, including violence and Native land tensions, all emphasizing the region's unique identity.

In a riveting discussion, Joseph Maiolo, an expert in international history, and Laura Robson, a scholar of population politics, delve into their critical analysis of the League of Nations. They argue that its mission was less about fostering peace and more about controlling global resources and populations. Their insights reveal how the League's disarmament efforts aimed to protect imperial hierarchies and maintain colonial structures, challenging traditional narratives. Maiolo and Robson also highlight the League's reliance on military power and the technocratic facade it used to mask imperial ambitions.

Terence Keel, a professor at UCLA and author of The Coroner’s Silence, delves into hidden victims of police violence. He discusses how autopsy reports often shield police from accountability and obscure the reality of in-custody deaths. Keel shares his emotional journey while researching overlooked deaths, emphasizing the systemic failures of forensic medicine. With alarming statistics and a critical analysis of death records, he calls for a fundamental rethinking of how we seek justice for marginalized lives lost.

Kendra D. Boyd, an assistant professor at Rutgers University–Camden, dives into the world of Black entrepreneurship in Detroit, a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of the Great Migration. She explores how migrant entrepreneurs viewed business as essential to Black liberation, revealing stories of resilience against racial violence, the role of women in business, and community-centered strategies exemplified by figures like Ruth Ellis. Boyd also critiques urban renewal policies, urging a focus on ethical development that respects marginalized voices.

Jason Burke, a veteran journalist and author of *The Revolutionists*, explores the chaotic world of 1970s international terrorism. He delves into the motivations behind high-profile hijackings, highlighting figures like Leila Khaled and Carlos the Jackal. Burke discusses the intertwining of leftist and Islamist movements, the role of foreign fighters, and the evolving perceptions of violence. Through a mix of primary sources and interviews, he humanizes militants while revealing complex narratives that challenge common stereotypes about this turbulent period.

Brian D. Behnken, a professor at Iowa State University specializing in civil rights history, shares insights from his book, Brown and Blue. He discusses how police violence against Mexican Americans sparked the Chicano movement, linking historical abuses to contemporary policing issues. Behnken highlights archival research revealing systemic biases and police misconduct, as well as landmark cases like Hernandez v. Texas that shaped civil rights. He also stresses the importance of community-centered reforms and critiques failed policies that accelerated police militarization.

In this engaging discussion, Moritz Föllmer, an Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam, explores the complex notion of individual freedom throughout the tumultuous twentieth century in Europe. He critiques traditional rise-and-fall narratives, emphasizing the diverse understandings of freedom shaped by wars and social movements. Föllmer connects historical struggles for autonomy with contemporary challenges posed by populism and disruptions from the pandemic. The conversation dives into how employment shapes personal liberty and how colonial contexts influenced freedom claims, all while highlighting the intricate balance between individual desires and collective political objectives.