KC Johnson

We live in an anti-imperial age–yet so much of our contemporary international crises (and how the United States currently approaches them). The ending of four empires (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire) after World War I continues to affect world affairs. (The Ottoman Empire, to take one example, is the last entity to possess internationally-recognized sovereignty over the Gaza Strip.) The post-World War II collpases of the Japanese and then (shortly thereafter) the British and French empires similarly shape contemporary matters (consider for one example, the renewed tensions in West Africa or the Taiwan Straits).

This seminar will examine how the collapse of a variety of 20th century empires continues to shape international affairs in the 21st century.

As always, each session will include 10 or 15 minutes on contemporary affairs; and then will end with a Q&A period (questions can be submitted in advance, too). Wednesdays at 10.30 live; videos posted by 1.30pm on the Vimeo site and will stay up through the summer.

Schedule:

March 20: German and Austrian empires

April 3: Ottoman Empire

April 17: Russian Empire

May 1: Japanese Empire

May 15: British and French empires

May 29: American empire

As things stand now, we appear to be headed for a rematch between Biden and Trump, with the race for the Republican nomination seemingly all but over. As both parties confirm their presumptive nominees, the outcome provides a chance to examine the profound changes in political parties and partisanship over the past 60 years. We’ll focus slightly on the transformation of the Republican Party, but will cover both sides.

The goal of the seminar will be to trace the contemporary political developments–which the seminar will explore–through the historical lens of key elections and party developments since 1968, through the lens of continuity and change in American politics.

As always, each session will end with 15 minutes or so on comtemporary matters plus a Q&A period (questions can be submitted in advance, too). Wednesdays at 10.30 live; videos posted by 1.30pm.

Schedule:

March 13: 1968

March 27: 1980

April 10: 1994-1994

April 24: 2000-2004

May 8: 2016

May 22: Heading into 2024