Dialogues in International History

Ari Barbalat
  • 0.0 (0)
  • History

This podcast intends to contribute to public education by offering listeners thorough and serious conversations on topics in international history and the history of international relations. It features interviews with authors of new monographs and recent books by historians and specialists.

  1. 2d ago

    Witney Schneidman, *This Africa Idea: A Memoir of Discovery, Diplomacy and Opportunity.* London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2026.

    In 1971, shortly after completing his high school education, Witney Schneidman found himself at a secondary school in Mbarara, Uganda, where he listened to the radio as Idi Amin announced his takeover of the nation. He quickly recognized that Africa was experiencing a profound transformation—colonialism was waning, independence was on the rise, and liberation movements were valiantly opposing white rule in Southern Africa.  This realization motivated him to dedicate his life to enhancing the relationship between the United States and African countries. Schneidman shares the numerous risks and obstacles he encountered in his quest to influence U.S. policy regarding Africa and to support the continent's advancement. He reflects on the isolation of being the only American student at a university in Tanzania during the height of the Cold War, his journeys through 30 African nations, and the policy successes that established the groundwork for U.S.-Africa relations. His extraordinary journey serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of engaging with a continent that is shaping the future of the world.

    Witney Schneidman, *This Africa Idea: A Memoir of Discovery, Diplomacy and Opportunity.* London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2026.

  2. 6d ago

    Víctor Barros and Aurora Almada e Santos, eds., *Amílcar Cabral and the PAIGC’s Binational Struggle for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde*. New York: Routledge, 2026.

    The quest for independence in Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde was shaped by a variety of interactions and connections. The close association between the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde (PAIGC – Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde) and the leadership of Amílcar Cabral has led to contemporary scholarship focusing on the struggle of the liberation movement and the role of its Secretary-General within a unified analytical framework. Despite the wealth of documentation available, many studies fail to address the numerous historiographical gaps that still exist regarding this topic. This monograph intends to uncover various analytical pathways through which Cabral's influence can contribute to a deeper understanding of the rise to statehood of both territories and the construction of the memory of the anti-colonial struggle.

    Víctor Barros and Aurora Almada e Santos, eds., *Amílcar Cabral and the PAIGC’s Binational Struggle for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde*. New York: Routledge, 2026.

  3. Jul 14

    Carter V. Findley, *Dreams of Empire: A History of the Ottomans*. New York: Oxford University Press, 2026.

    The Ottoman Empire was one of the most dominant empires in the annals of history, governing territories across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for more than six hundred years.  At its peak during the sixteenth century, it was unrivaled in military strength, financial stability, centralized authority, and effective governance when compared to any competing power. For centuries, the sultans were acknowledged as the most influential and esteemed "defenders of Islam." In a notable contrast to the Christian powers of Europe, this Islamic empire embraced a rich diversity of religious beliefs.  This examination encompasses the realms of politics, warfare, economics, society, culture, and religion, revealing how the Ottoman state evolved from a small principality in the northwestern part of Anatolia (the Asian section of present-day Turkey) into a vast world empire that extended from Hungary to Iraq and Algeria.  After enduring centuries of hardship, it experienced a revival, and ultimately—though reduced in size and challenged by separatist nationalism in the Balkans and European imperialism in Asia and North Africa—it witnessed a remarkable resurgence of reformist energy aimed at preserving its existence. This reformist spirit enabled the Turkish people to survive the brink of destruction during World War I and to rise again as the independent Turkish Republic.  In addition to exploring the state's crucial role in upholding the empire, Carter Findley highlights the extraordinarily diverse communities that thrived within its expansive borders, including nomadic tribes, settled agricultural populations, and a variety of religious groups, encompassing Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The pages are filled with charismatic Sufis, Islamic warriors, merchants in Cairo, enthusiastic travelers, a would-be Jewish messiah, revolutionaries, and pioneering women novelists. This study adeptly merges extensive academic research, primary documents, maps, and a multitude of illustrations in both color and monochrome, effectively illuminating the important themes and the human experiences of the women and men whose actions—both commendable and flawed—were vital in forming the illustrious history of this enduring, cosmopolitan empire.

    Carter V. Findley, *Dreams of Empire: A History of the Ottomans*. New York: Oxford University Press, 2026.

  4. Jul 13

    Peter Kasurak, *The Unequal Dialogue: Canadian Civil-Military Relations, 1950-2025*. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2026.

    This monograph uncovers the escalating tensions in civil-military relations since the Second World War, as Canadian civil and military societies have increasingly disagreed on the objectives and composition of the armed forces. From the onset of the Cold War, through the discussions on nuclear weapons, and into the Afghanistan war, civilian government agencies and policymakers have worked to ensure that the armed forces of a small nation like Canada remain relevant in a thermonuclear context, while also making sure that military membership reflects the wider population. This has led to ongoing crises regarding the role and combat capabilities of the armed forces, as well as the inclusion of francophones, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The result has been a continuous cycle of civilian directives, military resistance, and civilian interventions to enforce necessary changes. In this uneven dialogue, the armed services have struggled to articulate a Canadian military identity, while civilians have primarily engaged to alter policies, always having the final say.  In this research, Peter Kasurak recommends two key changes to break this stalemate. Political leaders should become more actively and consistently involved in shaping military policy, while the military must reevaluate its understanding of the profession of arms to better align with civil society, rather than focusing on independence and separation. This well-researched and impartial study provides valuable insights for scholars and students of military history, Canadian politics, political science, and security studies, as well as for both civil and military stakeholders in the defense community.

    Peter Kasurak, *The Unequal Dialogue: Canadian Civil-Military Relations, 1950-2025*. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2026.

  5. Jul 13

    William Jenkins, ed., *Canada and the Great Irish Famine*. Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2025.

    In the summer of 1847, over four hundred ships arrived in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, carrying Irish men, women, and children fleeing the devastation and starvation caused by the Great Potato Famine. Tens of thousands of these refugees began new lives across various regions of Canada, in both urban and rural settings, within Anglophone and Francophone communities. Although Canada was still a relatively young province within the British Empire, this significant migration would have a lasting and profound effect on its identity. This monograph examines how individuals confronted, endured, and remembered the experience of famine migration. The essays investigate the transatlantic journey; the fundraising initiatives and aid organizations; the challenges encountered by cities such as Quebec, Saint John, Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, and Hamilton, along with their public discussions regarding the implications of such a substantial influx of newcomers; the related issues of disease, poverty, mental health challenges, death, and burial; the stories of orphaned children; and the various ways in which the memory of the famine has been commemorated. This tragic demographic catastrophe in nineteenth-century Europe ignited a surge of political writings, artistic and literary works, and memorial practices, intertwining with the narratives of Irish nationalism and the formation of Canada. This study provides a new perspective on the social ramifications of Ireland’s famine migration, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of both the receiving communities and the migrants themselves.

    William Jenkins, ed., *Canada and the Great Irish Famine*. Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2025.

  6. Jun 22

    Olesya Yaremchuk, *Our Others: Stories of Ukrainian Diversity*. Zenia Tompkins and Hanna Leliv, trans. Stuttgart: Ibidem Verlag, 2020.

    This book delves into the histories and personal stories of fourteen ethnic minority groups residing in contemporary Ukraine: Czechs and Slovaks, Meskhetian Turks, Swedes, Romanians, Hungarians, Roma, Jews, ‘Liptaks’, Gagauzes, Germans, Vlachs, Poles, Crimean Tatars, and Armenians. Through a blend of academic research, fieldwork, and interviews, Olesya Yaremchuk’s literary reportages provide realistic, insightful, and historically informed portrayals of how these varied groups arrived in Ukraine and their experiences within its borders. Complemented by striking photographs that animate the reportages, this work acts as a record of the numerous voluntary and involuntary migrations that have influenced Ukraine throughout the centuries. Additionally, the book presents a heartfelt—and timely—examination of the small pockets of cultural diversity in Ukraine that have resisted the Soviet drive for linguistic, cultural, and religious homogenization, warranting acknowledgment within the larger framework of Ukraine’s cultural identity.

    Olesya Yaremchuk, *Our Others: Stories of Ukrainian Diversity*. Zenia Tompkins and Hanna Leliv, trans. Stuttgart: Ibidem Verlag, 2020.

  7. Jun 19

    Bryan MacMahon, *The Great Famine in Tralee and North Kerry*. Cork, Ireland; Mercier Press, 2017.

    In this study, Bryan MacMahon prioritizes human stories over simple statistics, as he depicts the remarkable occurrences, upheavals, and challenges of the famine years through the eyes of those who lived through them, revealing insights that have remained concealed and unexplored for 170 years. This publication narrates events in Tralee and North Kerry, offering a thorough overview and a compassionate understanding of the suffering experienced by thousands in the area. The contemporary narratives allow readers to revisit the distressing events and comprehend the severe dilemmas faced by individuals who were not directly affected by hunger or illness. Additionally, this work presents the names and inquest information of some of the deceased, along with moving portrayals of life in the workhouses of Tralee and Listowel. The book also addresses stories of scandals and possible sexual abuse within the workhouse, alongside numerous instances of altruistic humanitarian actions.

    Bryan MacMahon, *The Great Famine in Tralee and North Kerry*. Cork, Ireland; Mercier Press, 2017.

  8. Jun 7

    Patrice Dutil, ed., *Statesmen, Strategists & Diplomats: Canada’s Prime Ministers and the Making of Foreign Policy*. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2023.

    Navigating the realm of foreign policy is a multifaceted challenge. Typically, obstacles and proposed solutions are seen as distinct unless a leader can rally enough support for an idea that promotes cohesion. As the prime minister often puts forth this idea – setting the agenda and evaluating if the timing is right for a viable, effective solution – Canadian foreign policy can be summarized through the actions of these leaders. This monograph explores how prime ministers from Sir John A. Macdonald to Justin Trudeau have shaped foreign policy by manipulating governmental structures, selecting and discarding options, and leaving their imprint on the process. Contributors provide new, sometimes surprising perspectives on a wide range of policy choices – whether to raise or lower departmental budgets, to create or dismantle alliances, to engage in trade relations, and to handle the prime minister’s personal diplomacy – particularly regarding how these choices affected the bureaucracies tasked with implementing foreign policy both diplomatically and militarily. No other publication has undertaken a thorough examination of the crucial role Canadian prime ministers play in crafting foreign policy. This innovative viewpoint is bound to foster a renewed appreciation for the essential personal engagement and insight necessary for a successful strategy in international relations.

    Patrice Dutil, ed., *Statesmen, Strategists & Diplomats: Canada’s Prime Ministers and the Making of Foreign Policy*. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2023.
See All (16)

About

This podcast intends to contribute to public education by offering listeners thorough and serious conversations on topics in international history and the history of international relations. It features interviews with authors of new monographs and recent books by historians and specialists.

Information