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Lectures by William C. Fox

William C. Fox

Full lectures by William C. Fox

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August 5 · 4 hr 21 min
When is it Democratic Socialism?
What is Democratic Socialism? What makes it different than Socialism, Communism, Marxism or Social Democracy? 00:44 Manifesto for 184840:13 Interlude: Inevitability01:29:15 Marxism to Orthodoxy02:27:23 Revisionism02:56:54 Reform or Revolution03:22:50 Social Democracy vs Democratic Socialism04:03:18 Defining the 'types'SourcingAscher, Abraham (Ed.). 1976. _The Mensheviks In The Russian Revolution_.Berman, Sheri. 2006. _The Primacy of Politics: Social Democracy and the Making of Europe's Twentieth Century_.Bernstein, Eduard. 1899. _Evolutionary Socialism_.Buhle, Paul. 1987. _Marxism in the United States_.Draper, Hal. 1987. The ‘Dictatorship of the Proletariat’ in Marx and Engels. Chapter 1. Eley, Geoff. 2002. _Forging Democracy: The History of the Left in Europe, 1850-2000_.Engels, Friedrich. 1880. _Socialism: Utopian and Scientific_.Gay, Peter. 1952. _The Dilemma of Democratic Socialism: Eduard Bernstein's Challenge to Marx_.Gramsci 1917. The Revolution against ‘Capital’Guttsman, W. L. 1981. _The German Social Democratic Party, 1875-1933: From Ghetto to Government_.Kolakowski, Leszek. 1978. _Main Currents of Marxism Volumes 1-3_Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich. 1905. _Two Tactics of Social-Democracy in the Democratic Revolution_.Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich. 1917. _The State and Revolution_.Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich. 1918. _The Proletarian Revolution and the Renegade Kautsky_.Luxemburg, Rosa. 1908 (Second Edition). _Reform or Revolution?_.Martov, Julius. Essays from 1919-1921. The State and the Socialist Revolution. (accessed via 'whatnextjournal')Marx, Karl. 1875. _Critique of the Gotha Programme_.Marx, Karl & Engels, Friedrich. 1848. _Manifesto of the Communist Party_.Modern/Critique:Brooks, David. 2026. Democrats Became Great by Fighting the Left.Flynn, Daniel J. 2008. _A Conservative History of the American Left_.Fortgang, Tal. 2026. Radicals Are at the Door.Sunkara, Bhaskar. 2019. The Socialist Manifesto: The Case for Radical Politics in an Era of Extreme Inequality.Michael Harrington. American activist and author by Markku Ruotsila. Britannica EditorsMisc:The Erfurt Program 1891. Translated: by Thomas Dunlap& Das Erfurter Programm (1891)Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
July 7 · 10 hr 35 min
The Origins of Totalitarianism, Explained.
Hannah Arendt's Origins of Totalitarianism captured the essence of total domination as seen in Germany and the Soviet Union during WWII. This lecture is a good-faith attempt to explain the book and Arendt's 'origins' in full. Sourcing for this episode can be found here: (There is also a topical index at this link, along with a page of Latin/German/French terms found in the book)00:00 Intro1:00 French Revolution & Nation-States01:31:56 Arendt Bio & Book Concept01:52:36 Generic Totalitarianism02:24:10 Antisemitism Intro02:58:28 Tocqueville Trap03:31:11 Social Antisemitism03:51:21 Disraeli04:24:17 Panama, Dreyfus, Mob05:28:48 Imperialism Intro, Emancipation of Bourgeoisie06:12:49 Hobbes and power/expansion07:00:17 Interlude Word Cloud07:10:24 Boers and Bureaucracy08:06:34 Interlude: Recapping Imperialism08:14:05 Stateless People09:17:14 Lonely Masses10:05:16 Terror10:23:08 Concluding RemarksAt the start of my research, I watched every replay of two virtual reading groups from the Hannah Arendt Center on YouTube, led by Professor Roger Berkowitz:2023 (15 episodes) 2019 (18 episodes) Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
June 15 · 5 hr 50 min
How Fascism Dies
How does fascism end? When fascists win, are the seeds of their destruction already present? This video explores the death of historical fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain and France to seek practical lessons to stop future fascism. Sourcing can be accessed: https://williamcfox.substack.com/p/complete-list-fascism-books-and-articles?r=2fkhlr(too many characters to paste here)★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox00:00 Intro01:03 Rise of the Nazis33:27 Remilitarization Problem 1:34:41 Economic Flight Forward 2:00:23 Interlude - Waves & Snowflakes 2:19:46 Runaway Radicalization3:14:08 Conclusions on German Fascism 3:27:55 Interlude: Spain & France4:04:27 Italian Fascism4:50:34 Interlude: British Fascism5:07:50 TakeawaysStock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. Present Prologue History is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
April 12 · 4 hr 18 min
Why North Korea is North Korea
History of North Korea's Origins, from 2333 BC to 1953. In this lecture, we explore how North Korea was formed under Kim Jong Un's grandfather, Kim Il-Sung, beginning with the Russo-Japanese War and ending with the Korean War. We also cover the Joseon Dynasty and give a biography of Kim Il-Sung.★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfoxSOURCING:Korea: Where the American Century Began by Pembroke 2018 The Korea War, an International history by Haruki. 2018 The Forgotten Political Elites of North Korea. Tertitskiy 2024 Origins of the Korean War Cumings Parts 1 & 2. 1981, 1992.Lankov. From Stalin to Kim Il Sung. 2002Forever President Michael J. Seth. 2025 2016 Routledge Handbook of Modern Korean History edited M. Seth A Concise History of Modern Korea MJ Seth 2010 Soviet-North Korean relations during the Cold War : unruly offspring / Fyodor Tertitskiy. Kim Il-sung in the Khrushchve era 2005Article (Abstract) Eom: Collusive Oligopolistic Politics: Sedo...2012. UBC.UNESCO "Archives of the Donghak Peasant Revolution"National Palace Museum of Korea. Su-hee Park. "Recording the Brief History of the Korean Empire"Intern, “Reflections of Joseon in DPRK’s Songbun Caste System.”Kim, “Land Reform in South Korea under the U.S. Military Occupation, 1945–1948.”Eom, “Collusive Oligopolistic Politics.”Brazinsky, Nation Building in South KoreaKim, The Development of Modern South Korea.“Archives of the Donghak Peasant Revolution - Memory of the World.”Google Arts & Culture, “Recording the Brief History of the Korean Empire.”Accidental Tyrant: The Life of Kim Il-Sung: Tertitskiy, FyodorThe Man and His Era: William TaubmanNorth Korea: What Everyone Needs to Know: McEachernTyranny of the Weak : North Korea and the World, 1950-1992. Kim Il-Sung: The Controversial Life and Legacy of North Korea’s First Supreme Leader. Land Reform in South Korea, 1945–1948. Journal of Cold War Studies 18, no. 2 (2016)“North Korea in a Nutshell: A Contemporary Overview: Oh, Kongdan, Hassig, Ralph“Leader Symbols and Personality Cult in North Korea: The Leader State.” pg 51-77The North Korean Revolution, 1945–1950 Charles K. Armstrong00:00-1:32 Intro1:33-41:37 Japan, Russia, Roosevelt41:38-02:38:26 Korea in Japan02:38:27-02:48:12 Stalin and Cat interrugnum02:48:13-03:31:31 1945-194603:31:32-03:50:31 1947-4803:50:32-04:18:56 1949-Korean WarStock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
March 10 · 4 hr 46 min
The Problem With Abraham Lincoln
A political biography of Abraham Lincoln, exploring his potential re-founding of the United States via a 'baptism of blood' - as well as his evolving views on natural equality vs. political and social equality.★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox0:00-00:00-01:07 Intro1:08-18:36 Good v Bad Lincoln18:37-1:25:33 Jefferson & Natural Equality1:25:34-2:34:18 Lincoln Pre-Civil War2:34:19-4:02:20 Political Lincoln4:02:21-4:46:15 Baptism of BloodThe Gettysburg Address: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.Abraham LincolnNovember 19, 1863Sources:Blackburn. Karl Marx and Abraham Lincoln: An Unfinished Revolution. 2011.Boritt. The Gettysburg Gospel: The Lincoln Speech That Nobody Knows. 2006.Cotton. The Greatest Speech, Ever: The Remarkable Story of Abraham Lincoln and His Gettysburg Address. 2013. 1st edition.Dunlap et al. Long Remembered: Lincoln and his five.... 2011. 1st edition.Freedman. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship. 2012.Hirsch & Van Haften. The Ultimate Guide to the Gettysburg Address. 2016. 1st edition.Jaffa. Crisis of the House Divided: An Interpretation of the Issues in the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. 1959.Jaffa. A New Birth of Freedom: Abraham Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War. 2000.Johnson. Writing the Gettysburg Address. 2013.Kendall & Carey. The Basic Symbols of the American Political Tradition. 1970 (1995 Catholic University of America Press edition).McPherson. Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution. 1991.Warren. Lincoln's Gettysburg Declaration: "A New Birth of Freedom". 1964.Wills. Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America. 1992.The Art of Abraham Lincoln by McPherson. NY Review of Books Jul 16, 1992Founders' Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln. Richard BrookhiserAbraham Lincoln. Redeemer President. 1999. Allen C. GuelzoLincoln and the Radicals. T Harry WilliamsTeam of Rivals. Doris Kearns GoodwinLord Charnwood. Abraham Liincoln.Our One Common Country. James B. Conroyprimary sources speeches and letters:Lyceum Address January 27, 1838Temperance Address February 22, 1842Eulogy on Henry Clay July 6, 1852Speech at Peoria October 16, 1854Letter to Joshua Speed August 24, 1855Speech on the Dred Scott Decision June 26, 1857"House Divided" Speech June 16, 1858"Electric Cord" Speech July 10, 1858Fragment on Democracy c. August 1858First Debate with Stephen A. Douglas August 21, 1858Fourth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas September 18, 1858Fifth Debate with Stephen A. Douglas October 7, 1858Seventh Debate with Stephen A. Douglas October 15, 1858Letter to J. N. Brown October 18, 1858Letter to Henry L. Pierce and others April 6, 1859Cooper Union Address February 27, 1860Address in Independence Hall February 22, 1861July 4th Message to Congress July 4, 1861Letter to Horace Greeley August 22, 1862Annual Message to Congress December 1, 1862The Gettysburg Address November 19, 1863Letter to Governor Michael Hahn March 13, 1864Letter to Albert G. Hodges April 4, 1864Address at Sanitary Fair (Lecture on Liberty) April 18, 1864The President's Last Public Address April 11, 1865Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
February 3 · 5 hr 32 min
When is it Dictatorship?
What is dictatorship,? Explained. Dictatorship questions answered, including its distinction with authoritarianism, totalitarianism and monarchy.★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox★Subscribe on Substack: https://www.williamcfox.substack.comRome's DictatorshipHistory of Rome by Mommsen Translated by Dickson. 1875. (see Wilson critique)Dictator: The Evolution of the Roman Dictatorship by Mark Wilson 2022T. Corey Brennan The Praetorship in the Roman Republic (2000)Gregory Kung Golden Crisis Management during the Roman Republic (2013)2010 KU Thesis. A New Perspective Early Roman Dictatorship, 501-300 by Easton The Constitution of the Roman Republic, A. Lintott 1999Mary Beard. SPQR A History of Ancient Rome. The Roman EmpireA Historical Encyclopedia 2 volumes James W. Ermatinger The Constitution of the Roman Republic Andrew Lintott 2003Roman Civilization: Selected ReadingsThe Empire, Volume 1, third edition Lewis & Reinhold (Aulus Gellius excerpt)CaesarBarry Strauss. The Death of CaesarPlutarch. The Life of Julius Caesar ~75CE ; also, Life of BrutusAPPIAN. THE CIVIL WARS. ~162CECassius Dio: Roman HistoryNicolaus of Damascus: Life of AugustusSuetonius, The Lives of the twelve CaesarsM. Tullius Cicero, Orations, The fourteen orations against Marcus Antonius (Philippics)C. D. Yonge, Ed.Cicero TO ATTICUS 28 MAYCicero De OfficiisMcahiavelli The Prince ~1510sDiscourses on Livy ~1510sProfessor William R. Cook Lectures 12-22Benner, Erica.Be Like the Fox: Machiavelli’s Lifelong Quest for Freedom_. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2017Mansfield, Harvey C. Machiavelli’s Virtue. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1996Skinner, Quentin.Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction_. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000Strauss, Leo.Thoughts on Machiavelli. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1958Harvard Program on Constitutional Government. "Is Machiavelli a Moralist or a Realist?"Harvard Program on Constitutional Government."Is Machiavelli a Philosopher?"YaleCourses. 10&11. New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli's The PrinceCarl SchmittDictatorship, 1921. Goethe Institut Translation 2013Political Theology: Four Chapters on the Concept of Sovereignty 2006by Carl Schmitt, George Schwab (Translator), Tracy B. Strong (Foreword)Essay: Dictatorship (1926) by Carl SchmittMontesquieuConsiderations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Declineby Montesquieu 1734The Spirit of Law by Montesquieu 1748Rousseau On Social Contract 1762Bertram, Christopher. "Rousseau's Legacy in Two Conceptions of the General Will: Democratic and Transcendent." The Review of Politics, vol. 74, no. 3, 2012, pp. 403–419.De Wilde, Marc. "Silencing the Laws to Save the Fatherland: Rousseau's Theory of Dictatorship between Bodin and Schmitt." History of European Ideas, vol. 45, no. 8, 2019, pp. 1107–1124.Bertram, Christopher. "Jean Jacques Rousseau." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Winter 2023 Edition.Szelényi, Ivan. "5. Rousseau: Popular Sovereignty and General Will." YaleCoursesLockeTwo Treatises on Government Locke 1689HobbesLeviathan 1651Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy(Spring 2025 Edition) Duncan, Stewart. "Thomas Hobbes."YaleCourses 12-14. The Sovereign State: Hobbes' Leviathan" (Prof. Steven Smith)French RevolutionSieyes What is the Third Estate via The French Revolution and Human Rights: A Brief History with Documents by Lynn Hunt Memoirs of the Life, Exile, and Conversations of the Emperor Napoleon, 1835The Doctrine of Fascism byMussolini and Giovanni Gentile. 1932.Lenin: The State and Revolution, 1917. Accessed via Marxist Archive“A Brief History of the State of Exception by Giorgio Agamben.” “Appian of Alexandria | Roman Empire, Punic Wars, Civil Wars | Britannica.” Gagliardi, Lorenzo. “Leges Liciniae Sextiae.” In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics. 2017.Manuwald, Jeffrey Henderson • Gesine. “Marcus Terentius Varro’s on the Latin Language: Book V: Chapter XIV: Section 82.” Loeb Classical Library. Accessed January 19, 2026. “Marcus Furius Camillus | Facts & Biography | Britannica.” January 2, 2026. “Marcus Terentius Varro | Roman Scholar, Author & Philosopher | Britannica.” Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
January 27 · 4 hr 55 min
When is it Fascism
What is fascism? Here's a lecture explaining fascism's origins and traits.★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfoxGeneral:A History of Fascism, 1914-1945 Stanley G. PayneFascism, Comparison and Definition Stanley G. PayneAnatomy of Fascism Robert O. PaxtonFascism Key Concepts in Political Theory Roger GriffinThe Nature of Fascism Roger GriffinThe Fascist Revolution Toward a General Theory of Fascism George L. MosseFascism - A Very Short Introduction Kevin PassmoreFascism A History Roger Eatwell1848:The European Revolutions, 1848 - 1851 Sperber, JonathanRevolutionary Spring 1848-1849, Christopher ClarkItaly:Mussolini R. J. B. BosworthMussolinis Intellectuals Fascist Social and Political Thought Anthony James GregorMussolinis italy life under the fascist dictatorship, 1915-1945 (2007) R. J. B. BosworthThe Birth of Fascist Ideology Sternhell et al.The Civic Foundations of Fascism in Europe Dylan RileThe Sacralization of Politics in Fascist Italy Emilio GentileGermany:Hitler 1889-1936 Hubris Ian KershawHitler Ascent, 1889-1939 Volker UllrichHitler and the Beer Hall Putsch Harold J. GordonThe German Communists and the Rise of Nazism Conan FischerThe Rise and Fall of the Third ReichA History of Nazi Germany William L. ShirerWeimar and the Rise of Hitler Anthony James NichollsPop:Fascism A Warning Madeleine AlbrightHow Fascism Works The Politics of Us and Them Jason StanleyLeon Trotsky: Fascism: What it is and how to fight itAnderson, Thomas P. The Social Debate in the French Constituent Assembly, 1848. n.d.Beiner, Ronald. “Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Rousseau on Civil Religion.” The Review of Politics 55, no. 4 (1993): 617–38.“Program of the National Fascist Party (1921).”“The Charter of Labour (1927).” “The Manifesto of Fascist Intellectuals (1925).” “The Manifesto of Verona (1943).” Brooks, Thom. Hegel’s Social and Political Philosophy. June 3, 2021. “Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Fiume Escapade | History Today.” Harvard University Press. “The Sacralization of Politics in Fascist Italy.” Accessed October 18, 2025. “Italy - Economic Crisis, Political Turmoil, Two Red Years | Britannica.” October 13, 2025. Sorel, Georges. Reflections on Violence. n.d.00:00-01:05 Intro01:06-1:19:41 1848 Revolutions1:19:42-3:09:01 Italian Fascism3:09:02-4:22:43 German Fascism4:22:44-4:55:34 What is Fascism?Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
January 15 · 2 hr 56 min
Every Dictator of North Korea, Explained (1945-now)
00:00-12:13 Intro and Historical Context12:24-49:44 Rise of Sung49:45-1:53:00 Sung's governance1:53:01-2:33:57 Kim Jong Il2:33:58-2:56:39 Kim Jong UnSourcing:“Accidental Tyrant: The Life of Kim Il-Sung: Tertitskiy, Fyodor.” Accessed September 30, 2025.Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer’s Insights into North Korea’s Enigmatic Young Dictator : Jung H. Pak, Jung H. Pak, Random House Audio” Accessed September 30, 2025. Dear Leader: My Escape from North Korea eBook : Jin-Sung, Jang: Kindle Store.” Accessed September 30, 2025. Khrushchev: The Man and His Era: William Taubman, David Stifel, Tantor Audio: Audible Books & Originals.” Accessed September 30, 2025. “North Korea under Kim Chong-Il: Power, Politics, and Prospects for Change (Praeger Security International) Gause, Ken E.: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025. North Korea: What Everyone Needs to Know: McEachern, Patrick: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025. “Passcode to the Third Floor: An Insider’s Account of Life Among North Korea’s Political Elite eBook : Yong-Ho, Thae, Lauler, Robert” Accessed September 30, 2025. “Stalin: Breaker of Nations": Robert Conquest, Frederick Davidson, Blackstone Audio, Inc.: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025. “The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia: Andrei Lankov, Steven Roy Grimsley.” Accessed September 30, 2025. Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty eBook : Martin, Bradley K.: Kindle Store.” Accessed September 30, 2025. Armstrong, Charles K. Tyranny of the Weak : North Korea and the World, 1950-1992. With Internet Archive. Ithaca : Cornell University Press, 2013. Becker, Jasper. Rogue Regime: Kim Jong Il and the Looming Threat of North Korea. Oxford University Press, 2006.Cha, John H., and K. J. Sohn. Exit Emperor Kim Jong-Il: Notes from His Former Mentor. Abbott Press, 2012.Editors, Charles River. Kim Il-Sung: The Controversial Life and Legacy of North Korea’s First Supreme Leader. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, n.d.Editors, Charles River. Kim Jong-Il: The Controversial Life and Legacy of North Korea’s Second Supreme Leader. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, n.d.“Historical Documents - Office of the Historian.” Accessed October 2, 2025. Intern, Amanda Brader, NKR. “Reflections of Joseon in DPRK’s Songbun Caste System.” North Korean Review, February 1, 2022.K-Developedia: Korea Development Experience Database by KDI School. “K-Developedia: Korea Development Experience Database by KDI School.” Accessed October 2, 2025. Kim, Inhan. “Land Reform in South Korea under the U.S. Military Occupation, 1945–1948.” Journal of Cold War Studies 18, no. 2 (2016): 97–129. “Kim Jong-Il, North Korea’s Dear Leader: Who He Is, What He Wants, What to Do About Him, Revised & Updated Edition: Breen, Michael:” Accessed September 30, 2025. “Mao Zedong: A Life: Jonathan Spence: 9780143037729: ” Accessed September 30, 2025. Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, dir. The Korean War: A History Part 2 - Bruce Cumings. 2011. 01:00:00. Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, dir. The Korean War, A History. With Bruce Cumings - Part 1. 2011. 01:00:01. “North Korea in a Nutshell: A Contemporary Overview: Oh, Kongdan, Hassig, Ralph: .” Accessed September 30, 2025. “North Korea: State of Paranoia: A Modern History: French, Paul: 9781780329475: Amazon.Com: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025. “(PDF) The North Korean Economy: Between Crisis and Catastrophe by Nicholas Eberstadt.” ResearchGate, ahead of print, August 6, 2025.Routledge & CRC Press. “Leader Symbols and Personality Cult in North Korea: The Leader State.” Accessed September 30, 2025. “Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar: Montefiore, Simon Sebag: .” Accessed September 30, 2025.“The Great Successor: Fifield, Anna: s.” Accessed September 30, 2025.“The Hermit King: The Dangerous Game of Kim Jong Un: Lee, Chung Min: 9781250202826: Amazon.Com: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025.“The North Korean Revolution, 1945–1950 (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University): Charles K. Armstrong: 9780801489143: Amazon.Com: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025. “The Sister: North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, the Most Dangerous Woman in the World: Lee, Sung-Yoon: 9781541704121: Amazon.Com: Books.” Accessed September 30, 2025. WoodrowWilsonCenter, dir. Stalin’s Decision for War in Korea. 2013. 01:32:31.Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
January 15 · 2 hr 57 min
Every Leader of China, Explained (1949-now)
★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox0:00-58:58 Mao58:59-1:10:19 Hua Guofeng1:10:20-1:48:38 Deng Xiaoping1:48:39-2:09:09 Jiang Zemin2:09:10-2:33:06 Hu Jintao2:33:07-2:57:49 Xi JinpingSourcingChiu, Y., Kardon, I., & Kelly, J. (Eds.). (2024). “The life of the party: Past and present constraints on the future of the Chinese Communist Party”. Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceFewsmith, J. (2008). “China since Tiananmen: From Deng Xiaoping to Hu Jintao”. Cambridge University Press Lampton, D. M. (2014). “Following the leader: Ruling China, from Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping”. University of California Press Shambaugh, D. (2021). “China’s leaders: From Mao to now”. Polity Press China After Mao: The Rise of a Superpower Frank DikötterMao: The Unknown Story Jung Chang and Jon HallidayThe New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism Keyu JinSurveillance State 2025 Josh Chin and Liza LinBeijing Rules: How China Weaponized Its Economy to Confront the World Bethany AllenThe Political Thought of Xi Jinping Steve Tsang and Olivia CheungOrganized Loyalty: A New State Ideology for China as a Global Power by Johan Lagerkvist (1st Ed. 2023)Affairs, Ministry of Foreign. “-.” Text. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 21, 2025. BBC News. “Five Numbers That Sum up China’s One-Child Policy.” Magazine. October 29, 2015. BBC News. “Jiang Zemin Obituary: China’s Tough-Talking Reformer.” Asia. November 30, 2022. “China’s Great Leap Forward.” Association for Asian Studies, n.d. Accessed September 22, 2025. “Chinese Communist Party (CCP) | History & Party Structure | Britannica.” September 19, 2025Cho, Sungmin. “History Rhymes: The Shou-Fang Cycle in Chinese Politics.” Journal of Chinese Political Science, ahead of print, June 20, 2025. College of Liberal Arts. “Holodomor.” Accessed September 22, 2025. “Eighth Route Army | Communist, Guerrilla Warfare, China | Britannica.” August 25, 2025. “Great Leap Forward Facts | Britannica.” Accessed September 22, 2025. “How Violence Unfolded during China’s Cultural Revolution.” Accessed September 22, 2025. .Jisheng, Yang. “Opinion | China’s Great Shame.” Opinion. The New York Times, November 14, 2012.Taiwan: A New History. Edited by Murray A Rubinstein. 1999. n.d.Mapping software licensed through MapTiler,and GEOlayers. Thanks to OpenStreetMap and Natural Earth.Music by Epidemic Sound: http://nebula.tv/epidemicStock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
January 9 · 4 hr 37 min
How Every Democracy Died
History of democracy, explained from its birth in Athens to the American and French Revolutions. What does democracy really mean? How many democracies have there been in history? How do democracies die? Let's explore!★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox★Substack: williamcfox.substack.comSocial Media ▼Twitter➜ @williamcfoxInstagram➜ @williamcfoxTikTok ➜ @williamcfoxBooks:Democracy Charles TillyDemocracy A History John DunnDemocracy A Life Paul CartledgeDemocracy A Short, Analytical History Roland N. StrombergThe Decline And Rise Of Democracy David StasavageThe Edinburgh Companion to the History of DemocracyThe Life and Death of Democracy John KeaneThe Shortest History of Democracy John KeaneDemocracy in Classical Athens Christopher CareyThe French Revolution and Human Rights Lynn HuntHow Democracies Die Ziblatt, LevitskyTwilight of Democracy Anne ApplebaumAdditional Sources:“1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Cabot, George - Wikisource, the Free Online Library.” Accessed November 11, 2025. “A Peasant Democrat in the 1848 Revolution?” Accessed October 31, 2025. Anderson, Greg. “Before Turannoi Were Tyrants: Rethinking a Chapter of Early Greek History.” Classical Antiquity 24, no. 2 (2005): 173–222. “Between Democracy and Liberalism: Ludwig Bamberger’s Path.” Accessed October 31, 2025.“Carl Rudolf Löwstedt: The First Swedish Democrat?” Accessed October 31, 2025.“Democracy or Popular Government? The Political Thought of Mihály Táncsics in the Vormärz.” Accessed October 31, 2025. Finlayson, James Gordon, and Dafydd Huw Rees. “Jürgen Habermas.” In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Winter 2023, edited by Edward N. Zalta and Uri Nodelman. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, 2023. Flanagan, Borden. “Thucydides on Partisanship, Insurrection, and the Risks of Civil War.” April 3, 2025. Graeber, David. “Hiding in Plain Sight.” Lapham’s Quarterly, 2020. Hansen, Mogens. Counting of Votes, Athenian Style. n.d.Accessed November 12, 2025.“Jacobins, Republicans, and Democracy in Mainz.” Accessed October 31, 2025. “Malthe Conrad Bruun: A ‘Dangerous Democrat.’” Accessed October 31, 2025. Martin, Brad. Herodotus, Politics and Athenian Democracy. n.d.Olorunlana, Taiwo Justice. The History of Democracy: From Ancient Athens to Present–Day. 01, no. 07 (2024).Olson, Kevin. “Deliberative Democracy.” In Jürgen Habermas: Key Concepts, edited by Barbara Fultner. Key Concepts. Acumen Publishing, 2011. “Oxford Centre for Intellectual History: Re-Imagining Democracy and Everyday Life Blog.” Re-Imagining Democracy, September 9, 2024.“Searching for ‘Demokratin’? The Curious Case of Women Democrats in Early Nineteenth-Century Germany.” Accessed October 31, 2025. Staats, Joseph L. “Habermas and Democratic Theory: The Threat to Democracy of Unchecked Corporate Power.” Political Research Quarterly 57, no. 4 (2004): 585–94. “The Anti-Elitist Democrat, Jens Andersen Hansen.” Accessed October 31, 2025. “What Did It Mean to Be a Democrat in the Age of Revolutions?” Accessed October 31, 2025. YaleCourses, dir. Lecture 11: Democracy’s Fourth Wave? South Africa, Northern Ireland, and the Middle East. 2019.YaleCourses, dir. Lecture 12: Business and Democratic Reform: A Case Study of South Africa. 2019.00:00-00:37 intro00:38-2:10:18 Athens2:10:19-2:36:03 early democracy & Aristotle2:36:04-2:41:58 Spartan Constitution2:41:59-2:47:57 Rome’s Constitution2:47:58-2:59:11 day 22:59:12-3:21:05 Cortes, early representation 3:21:06-3:37:06 republic vs democracy 3:37:07-3:45:26 American Revolution3:45:27-4:04:38 French Revolution 4:04:39-4:21:30 How democracy dies4:21:31-4:37:51 What is democracy?Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
January 8 · 7 hr 11 min
Every Constitutional Crisis (in American History)
Multi-hour lecture on each constitutional crisis in American History, including the Election of 1800, the Nullification Crisis, Tyler's Succession Crisis, Dred Scott + Civil War, Compromise of 1877, FDR's Court-packing plan, Watergate, and Bush v Gore.★ Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox★ williamcfox.substack.com (Present Prologue History)00:00-00:35 Intro00:36-1:50:46 Election 18001:50:47-2:23:28 Nullification crisis2:23:29-2:50:58 John Tyler VP2:50:59-3:27:17 Dred Scott Decision3:27:18-4:14:15 The Civil War4:14:16-5:06:51 Compromise of 18775:06:52-5:42:34 FDR Court-packing Plan5:42:35-6:27:24 Nixon & Watergate6:27:25-6:59:29 Bush v Gore 2000 Election6:59:30-7:11:18 TakeawayLecture sources:Election 1800A Magnificent Catastrophe by Larson, 2007Adams vs Jefferson by Ferling, 2004Jefferson's Second Revolution by Dunn, 2005Friends Divided by Wood, 2017Empire of Liberty by Wood, 2009John Adams by McCullough, 2001NullificationAmerican Lion by Jon Meacham, 2008Andrew Jackson by H. W. Brands, 2005The Union at Risk by Ellis, 1989Tyler ascends to VPThe Political Crisis of the 1850s by Holt, 1978The Rise and Fall of the American Whig Party by Holt, 1999The American President by Kunhardt, 1999John Tyler: Champion of the Old South 1990 by ChitwoodJohn Tyler, the Accidental President 2006 by CrapolJohn Tyler 2008 by Gary MayPresident without a Party 2020 by LeahyDred + Civil WarDred Scott v. Sandford a brief... by FinkelmanSlavery, Law, and Politics... by Fehrenbacher (abridgement)You Are Not American by FrostHayes 1876-1877Centennial Crisis by RehnquistFraud of the century by MorrisReconstruction 1863-1877 by FonerRutherford B. Hayes by TrefousseBlack reconstruction in America by Du Bois 1935Court-packing PlanFDR v. The Constitution by SolomonFDRs Gambit by KalmanThe New Deal 1933-40 by BadgerWatergateAll the Presidents MenThe Final DaysWatergate the presidential scandal... by OlsonWatergate A Brief History with Documents, 2nd Edition KutlerElection 2000Bush v. Gore by ZeldenBush v. Gore: The Court Cases and the Commentary E.J. DionneOral Arguments Bush v. GoreStock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe
January 6 · 1 hr 53 min
America's Undeclared War Problem
War with Venezuela. President Trump launched military operations in Venezuela against the regime and the person of Nicolás Maduro. This lectures examines the president's war powers as seriously and as comprehensively as possible.Today is a serious and difficult day, so let me set the tone: I was already working on a war powers video. I decided to move it up because this is an important moment that requires better understanding. I do not support this undeclared war. Thanks for your factual corrections and your engagement. ★Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/williamcfox★Subscribe on Substack: https://williamcfox.substack.com/00:00-1:33 Intro1:34-9:37 Constitutional Debate9:38-27:36 Washington War Power27:37-47:20 War Powers before Lincoln47:21-1:11:35 Lincoln's Emergency1:11:36-1:33:21 Truman's "Emergency"1:33:22-1:46:31 Imperial Presidency1:46:32-1:53:23 Can the President Declare War?Presidential War Power by Louis FisherWar Powers by Peter IronsPresidents of War BeschlossImperial Presidency Arthur M Schlesinger Jr.The Politics of War Powers Sarah BurnsFurther books: Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger “The Quartet: Orchestrating the…”, 2016. Joseph J. Ellis “How to Hide an Empire” 2019 Daniel Immerwahr The Evolving Presidency. 2008, 3rd Edition Michael Nelson1979 Presidential Selection. James W. Ceaser Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents Richard E. Neustadt The Hidden-Hand President. Fred I. GreensteinWider reading:Bobbitt, Philip. “War Powers: An Essay on John Hart Ely’s War and Responsibility: Constitutional Lessons of Vietnam and Its Aftermath.” Mich. L. Rev. 92 (January 1994): 1364.“Federal v. Consolidated Government: Brutus, No. 7.” Accessed December 4, 2025. Justia Law. “Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, 343 U.S. 579 (1952).” Accessed December 3, 2025. “Make War and Declare War at the Constitutional Convention | Constitution Annotated | Congress.Gov | Library of Congress.” Accessed December 2, 2025. National Archives. “U.S. Marines in the Boxer Rebellion.” August 15, 2016. Rep. Hastert, J. Dennis R-IL-14. “Text - H.J.Res.114 - 107th Congress (2001-2002): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.” Legislation. October 16, 2002. 2002Rep. Zablocki, Clement J. D-WI-4. “Actions - H.J.Res.542 - 93rd Congress (1973-1974): War Powers Resolution.” Legislation. November 7, 1973. 1973-05-03. Strickler, Jeremy L. “The Politics of War Powers: The Theory and History of Presidential Unilateralism.” Congress & the Presidency, Routledge, July 20, 2020. world. “The Political Question Doctrine: Historical Background (Part 2).” Legislation. Accessed December 4, 2025. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. “James Thomson Callender.” Accessed December 8, 2025. “Veto Message to the War Powers Resolution.” Teaching American History, n.d. Accessed December 3, 2025.“War and Responsibility | Princeton University Press.” March 26, 1995. Waxman, Matthew. “Remembering the Bombardment of Greytown.” Lawfare, Lawfare, January 18, 2023. James Monroe Special Message March 25, 1818Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit williamcfox.substack.com/subscribe

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