James M. Lindsay

The Water's Edge

Lindsay analyzes the politics shaping U.S. foreign policy and the sustainability of American power.

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Showing posts for "History Lessons"

Lessons Learned: The Articles of Confederation

by James M. Lindsay

A new installment of “Lessons Learned” is now out. This week I discuss the Articles of Confederation, America’s first constitution. It entered into effect on March 1, 1781, after Maryland became the thirteenth and final colony to ratify it. In the video I examine the Articles’ weaknesses and explore what lessons they have for understanding international relations today. Here’s a question to consider in light of the fact that the founders gave up on the Articles after only six years: What makes for a durable and effective constitution? I encourage you to weigh in with your answer in the comments section below.

I hope you enjoy the video.

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Lessons Learned: Japanese-American Internment During WWII

by James M. Lindsay

A new installment of “Lessons Learned” is now out. This week I discuss the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on February 19, 1942—which set in motion the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II—and examine what lessons it has for understanding international relations today.

I hope you enjoy it.

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Lessons Learned: The Seizure of the USS Pueblo

by James M. Lindsay

We’ve introduced a new video series here at CFR.org—“Lessons Learned.” Each week I recount an historical event with an eye toward teasing out what lessons it might hold for foreign policy today. We’ve already done episodes on the Ludlow Amendment and JFK’s inaugural address. This week the topic is the seizure of the USS Pueblo on January 23, 1968.  I hope you enjoy it.

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