New Books in History

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 28min

Jochen Hellbeck, "World Enemy No. 1: Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and the Fate of the Jews" (Penguin Group, 2025)

Join distinguished historian Jochen Hellbeck as he explores the untold narrative of the Soviet Union during World War II. He delves into his extensive research, highlighting newly uncovered diaries and testimonies. Hellbeck reveals how the Nazis viewed Soviet Jews as a grave threat, escalating from expulsion to extermination. He also discusses Ilya Ehrenburg's critical role in documenting German atrocities, which fueled Soviet resistance and reshaped national identity. Hellbeck’s insights challenge the conventional memory of the war and emphasize the importance of understanding Soviet contributions.
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Nov 25, 2025 • 37min

Renata Keller, "The Fate of the Americas: The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Hemispheric Cold War" (UNC Press, 2025)

Renata Keller, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Nevada, Reno, discusses her upcoming book on the Cuban Missile Crisis. She reveals how the crisis profoundly affected Latin America, challenging the conventional US-USSR narrative. Keller highlights the regional unrest, including Bolivia's riots and Nicaragua’s pro-Castro demonstrations, illustrating that ordinary citizens were pivotal in shaping the political landscape. She also addresses contemporary echoes of the crisis, linking security, sovereignty, and solidarity across the Americas.
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Nov 24, 2025 • 42min

Jim Cullen, "1980: America's Pivotal Year" (Rutgers UP, 2022)

Cultural historian Jim Cullen, author of '1980: America's Pivotal Year', explores the dramatic shifts in American culture and politics during that transformative year. He discusses how the election marked a turn from Carter's presidency to Reagan's, shaping future policies. Cullen highlights the cultural zeitgeist through music, film, and television, examining everything from John Lennon's works to the rise of 'Dallas' and the implications of chain bookstores. His insights illuminate how these changes foreshadowed the 1980s and beyond.
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Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 12min

Adam Jones, "Sites of Genocide" (Routledge, 2022)

In this engaging conversation, Adam Jones, a Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia and a prominent scholar in genocide studies, dives into his book, Sites of Genocide. He discusses the ethical complexities of representing victims through photography and the marginalized narratives of genocides, particularly in Turkey and Central Africa. Jones sheds light on the evolving focus on male victims of gender-based violence and reflects on the importance of historical processes in understanding genocide. He also shares his advice for graduate students and mentions key texts advancing the field.
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Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 5min

Faisal Devji, "Waning Crescent: The Rise and Fall of Global Islam" (Yale UP, 2025)

Faisal Devji, an Oxford-based historian and theorist of modern Islam, delves into his latest work, exploring the evolution of Islam as a historical subject. He discusses how the 19th-century perception of Islam transformed it into a global actor, free from traditional authorities. Devji examines the implications of this shift, with modern ideologies acting as rivals to Islam. He also highlights the complexities surrounding contemporary movements and the distinction between personal faith and Islam's broader identity, providing insightful directions for future scholarship.
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Nov 22, 2025 • 58min

Shatema Threadcraft, "Labors of Resurrection: Black Women, Necromancy, and Morrisonian Democracy" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Shatema Threadcraft, an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and expert in Black feminist theory, dives deep into the haunting realities of Black femicide and the role of Black women in reshaping democracy. She discusses the alarming statistics surrounding Black women's premature deaths and critiques the prevailing narratives that overlook their struggles. Threadcraft highlights the significance of grassroots activism, storytelling, and data collection as tools for change, while showcasing innovative methods from women who redefine community protection and political engagement.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 12min

Yanqiu Zheng, "In Search of Admiration and Respect: Chinese Cultural Diplomacy in the United States, 1875–1974" (U Michigan Press, 2024)

Yanqiu Zheng, an author and historian specializing in modern Chinese cultural diplomacy, dives into how China navigated its international image from 1875 to 1974. He discusses the role of institutions like the China Institute and the complexities of funding amid Cold War tensions. Zheng critiques the definitions of cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the significance of infrastructure and control over narratives. He also reflects on contemporary parallels with today’s Confucius Institutes, drawing insights on the ongoing evolution of cultural exchange and representation.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 58min

Carol Lilly, "Death and Burial in Socialist Yugoslavia: The Politicization of Cemeteries and Ethnic Conflict in the Balkans" (Bloomsbury, 2024).

Carol Lilly, a historian specializing in cemeteries and political culture in the former Yugoslavia, dives into the politicization of burial sites amidst ethnic conflict. She discusses how the communist regime weaponized cemeteries, leaving a legacy of ethno-religious segregation while introducing political symbolism into burial practices. Lilly also explores the coexistence of secular and religious burial traditions and how these dynamics evolved post-1989, reflecting broader cultural shifts in the Balkans.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 50min

Karen Auman, "The Good Forest: The Salzburgers, Success, and the Plan for Georgia" (U Georgia Press, 2024)

Karen Auman, an assistant professor at BYU and genealogist, discusses her book, The Good Forest. She delves into the Salzburgers' unique journey as Georgia's early settlers who succeeded in forming a cohesive community against the odds. Auman reveals how their exile instilled a strong sense of identity and adherence to the trustees’ vision. The conversation explores the challenges posed by Georgia's environment and the Salzburgers' innovative economic efforts in cattle, lumber, and silk production, while also addressing the tragic decline of their settlement.
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Nov 20, 2025 • 46min

Emily Callaci, "Wages for Housework: The Feminist Fight Against Unpaid Labor" (Seal Press, 2025)

Emily Callaci, a historian and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, dives into the groundbreaking feminist movement advocating for compensation for unpaid domestic labor. She explores the origins of the 'Wages for Housework' campaign, highlighting its global impact from the 1970s onward. Callaci introduces pivotal figures like Selma James and Silvia Federici, discussing how their diverse backgrounds enriched the movement. She provocatively questions the implications of prioritizing care over production and envisions a transformed society where women could reclaim their time.

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