History
Thought-provoking, interpretive history essays that use the past to illuminate the present. These articles are speculative and exploratory – offering a modern lens on historical events, ideas, and figures
The Modern Mafia, Explained: How an Old Protection Racket Became a Global Business Model
The Modern Mafia, Explained: How an Old Protection Racket Became a Global Business Model
El Chapo History: The Two Escapes That Turned a Cartel Boss Into a Global Legend
El Chapo History: The Two Escapes That Turned a Cartel Boss Into a Global Legend
America’s Long Fight With Europe and the UK—And Why It’s Heating Up Again
America’s Long Fight With Europe and the UK—And Why It’s Heating Up Again
The Constitution Explained: The Machine Designed to Stop Power From Running Away
The Constitution Explained: The Machine Designed to Stop Power From Running Away
The Declaration of Independence Explained: The Paper That Made Power Conditional
The Declaration of Independence Explained: The Paper That Made Power Conditional
What If the Industrial Revolution Had Started in Asia?
What If the Industrial Revolution Had Started in Asia?
The Cuban Missile Crisis: What If It Turned Hot?
The Cuban Missile Crisis: What If It Turned Hot?
The Cold War’s 8 Inflection Points: The Decisions That Nearly Ended the World
The Cold War’s 8 Inflection Points: The Decisions That Nearly Ended the World
Magna Carta to Parliament: How England Built Constraints on Power
Magna Carta to Parliament: How England Built Constraints on Power
The History of Money: Before Coins, Before Banks, And Whats Next?
The History of Money: Before Coins, Before Banks, And Whats Next?
Heisenberg vs Oppenheimer: The Atomic Bomb Race Was Decided by Capacity, Not Genius
Heisenberg vs Oppenheimer: The Atomic Bomb Race Was Decided by Capacity, Not Genius
Iran’s Unfinished Crisis: Why Protests Keep Returning and What Changes Next
Iran’s Unfinished Crisis: Why Protests Keep Returning and What Changes Next
Blitzkrieg: Why Nazi Germany’s “Lightning War” Worked (1939–41) and Why Modern Armies Still Chase It
Blitzkrieg: Why Nazi Germany’s “Lightning War” Worked (1939–41) and Why Modern Armies Still Chase It
Golden Globes History and Controversial Moments: From Hollywood Outsider Club to Industry Flashpoint
Golden Globes History and Controversial Moments: From Hollywood Outsider Club to Industry Flashpoint
What Caused the Iran Hostage Crisis—and How a Trump-Style Response Might Have Changed It (1979–1981)
What Caused the Iran Hostage Crisis—and How a Trump-Style Response Might Have Changed It (1979–1981)
Ancient DNA Britain Is Rewriting Early Britain—But Not the Way People Think
Ancient DNA Britain Is Rewriting Early Britain—But Not the Way People Think
Greenland Sovereignty: The History of Who Owns the Arctic’s Biggest Prize
Greenland Sovereignty: The History of Who Owns the Arctic’s Biggest Prize
