Podcasts by Category

Explaining History

Explaining History

Nick Shepley

The Explaining History Podcast has been exploring the 20th Century in weekly chapters for the past 10 years, helping students and enthusiasts engage with the past. With the help of expert guests, your host Nick Shepley navigates competing debates around the key events and processes of the past century.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

689 - Mexico, America and NAFTA 1994-1995
0:00 / 0:00
1x
  • 689 - Mexico, America and NAFTA 1994-1995

    In "Mexico, America, and NAFTA 1994-1995," we delve into the intricate web of economic, political, and social ramifications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the mid-90s, guided by insights from John Gray's seminal work, "False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism." This episode sheds light on the high hopes and harsh realities that followed the implementation of NAFTA, focusing on the promise of seamless trade and prosperity versus the actual outcomes for local economies, labour markets, and national sovereignty.


    We start by exploring the foundational goals of NAFTA, aimed at eliminating trade barriers between Mexico, Canada, and the United States, and fostering economic growth through increased trade and investment. Drawing from Gray's critique, we discuss the ideological underpinnings of free-market capitalism as championed by global institutions and how NAFTA became a test case for these principles.


    The episode then zooms in on Mexico's experience, highlighting the immediate economic turbulence that followed NAFTA's implementation, including the 1994 peso crisis and its long-term implications for Mexican workers and industries. Through Gray's lens, we examine the fallout of globalization on local economies and the widening inequality gap, challenging the assumption that free trade inevitably leads to mutual benefits.



    Finally, the episode reflects on the broader implications of NAFTA as a microcosm of global economic integration, considering how Gray's "False Dawn" frames the disillusionment with globalization and the rethinking of economic policies in the 21st century. Through expert interviews and analysis, we unpack the complex legacy of NAFTA and what it teaches us about the challenges and opportunities of navigating a globalized world.


    Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Explaining History podcast, where we dissect the layers of Mexico, America, and NAFTA through the critical eyes of John Gray, offering listeners a deep dive into the intertwined destinies of nations caught in the wave of global capitalism.

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Wed, 20 Mar 2024 - 34min
  • 688 - Neoliberalism VS National Liberation Movements 1945-79


    In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we delve into the complex and often overlooked intersection of Neoliberalism and National Liberation Movements during the pivotal decades of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Drawing insights from Quinn Slobodian's insightful book "Globalists," we unravel the ideological and practical challenges that the process of decolonization presented to neoliberal thinkers of the era. 


    As countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America broke free from colonial rule, the foundational principles of neoliberalism—marked by the advocacy for open markets, free trade, and minimal state intervention—were put to the test. The episode explores the fascinating debate around the feasibility of establishing extraterritorial property rights for corporations in these newly independent nations. Could the neoliberal dream of a global free market withstand the rise of nationalistic aspirations and the desire for economic sovereignty among the newly liberated countries?


    Through detailed analysis, we examine how figures within the neoliberal camp responded to this challenge, and how the neoliberals themselves had little time for the aspirations of newly decolonised peoples. This episode sheds light on a critical chapter in global history, revealing the intricate dynamics between economic ideologies and the fight for national self-determination. Join us as we navigate the legacies of these historical debates and their implications for our understanding of global economic policies today.

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 08 Mar 2024 - 0min
  • 687 - World War Two: The Good War?

    In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve deep into the heart of the twentieth century's most defining conflict: World War II. Often remembered as "The Good War," this episode, inspired by Geoffrey Wheatcroft's insightful essay and Richard Overy's comprehensive study, invites listeners to re-examine the conventional narratives that have shaped our understanding of the war.

    Through a meticulous analysis of "World War Two: The Myth of the Good War" and "Blood and Ruins," we uncover the layers of complexity that challenge the black-and-white morality often associated with the Allies' cause. From the strategic bombing campaigns that devastated civilian populations to the political compromises that sowed the seeds of future conflicts, we explore the ethical ambiguities and harsh realities that defy the simplistic notion of good versus evil.

    Join us as we navigate the geopolitical chessboard of the 1930s and 1940s, examining the motivations, decisions, and consequences that defined the era. We confront the uncomfortable truths and moral dilemmas faced by nations and leaders, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the war that complicate its legacy.

    This episode is not just a journey through history but a call to critically engage with our past, understanding that the myths we hold dear often obscure the nuanced truths that can teach us invaluable lessons about humanity, war, and the price of peace.

    Tune in to "World War Two: The Good War" on the Explaining History podcast, and prepare to see one of history's most significant events in a new light.


    https://www.theguardian.com/news/2014/dec/09/-sp-myth-of-the-good-war


    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 42min
  • 686 - Socialism and Fascism - what they are and are not

    Hi everyone, I get trolled from time to time on Twitter by various far right types who object to a particular video I did years ago which states that Hitler was not, in fact, a socialist and did not , in fact, have socialist ideas. Here I revisit the argument, though I doubt it will do me much good.


    Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts (unless you want to tell me he is a socialist, and whilst I'm all for free discourse, you should know that I've heard this one before, lots).


    Thanks


    Nick

    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Wed, 14 Feb 2024 - 30min
  • 685 - Resistance from the right: America's campus backlash against the counter culture



    In this thought-provoking episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the often overlooked conservative resistance on American college campuses during the height of the counter-culture movement. Join us as we sit down with Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, academic at the University of New Orleans and distinguished historian and author, who sheds light on the dynamic and complex interactions between conservative students and the liberal ideologies that defined much of the 1960s and 70s academic landscape.


    Through our conversation, Lauren provides a nuanced analysis of the motivations, strategies, and impacts of right-wing student organizations and their efforts to challenge and shape campus culture and policies. From sit-ins and protests to the intellectual debates that raged within classroom walls, we explore the breadth of conservative activism that countered the era's prevailing liberal norms.


    This episode offers listeners a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in American educational and political history, highlighting the diversity of thought and activism that contributed to shaping contemporary campus climates. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of political science, or someone curious about the complex interplay of ideologies in education, this conversation with Lauren Lassabe Shepherd offers invaluable insights into the forces that have influenced American colleges and universities.


    Tune in to "Resistance from the Right: America's Campus Backlash Against the Counter Culture" for a deep dive into a fascinating aspect of America's educational and political history that continues to resonate today.



    Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fri, 02 Feb 2024 - 31min
Show More Episodes