History As It Happens: "2024 Year in Review" Summary

Hosted by Martin DeCaro, "History As It Happens" offers a thorough analysis of the pivotal events that shaped 2024. In this episode, DeCaro engages with historians Jeffrey Engel and Jeremy Suri to dissect the year's most significant political, social, and cultural developments.

1. Introduction and Overview

Martin DeCaro sets the stage by reflecting on the tumultuous nature of 2024, highlighting unexpected earthquakes, political upheavals, and the persistent horrors of war. He emphasizes the podcast's commitment to contextualizing current headlines within a historical framework, ensuring listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of ongoing events.

Notable Quote:

"It was one hell of a year of unexpected earthquakes, historic political comebacks and the horrors of war and much more." — Martin DeCaro [00:57]

2. Key Historical Events of 2024

a. Political Shifts and Global Conflicts

• Asad's Downfall in Syria: At 00:32, DeCaro announces the indictment of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione for murder in an act tied to terrorism. The episode quickly shifts focus to global unrest:

  • Bashar Al Assad's Regime: Assad, in power since 2000, faces significant challenges as Islamist fighters seize Damascus (00:37). His weakening influence is mirrored by Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine (00:37).

  • Ukraine-Russia War: The southeastern front remains volatile, with Ukraine pushing into Russian territories. Jeffrey Engel notes the broader implications of Russia's military actions on global stability (00:37).

  • Middle Eastern Tensions: An ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparks fury in Israel (00:44). Discussions highlight the severe humanitarian impacts, including civilian starvation used as a warfare tactic (00:52).

Notable Quote:

"Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare willfully causing great suffering..." — Jeremy Suri [00:50]

b. The Unpredictability of Historical Events

Historians Suri and Engel delve into the inherent unpredictability of historical events. Suri emphasizes that "history is fascinating because we only really see the inevitable events in retrospect" (02:18). This discussion underscores how complex human behavior and minor changes can lead to significant, unforeseen consequences.

Notable Quote:

"Things never go just as we expect them to go because of the infinite complexity of human behavior..." — Jeremy Suri [02:18]

3. Reflections on Falling Regimes and Historical Parallels

DeCaro and his guests draw parallels between contemporary events and historical milestones:

• George H.W. Bush's 1989 Speech: Referencing Bush's optimistic declaration that "the day of the dictator is over" (07:06), they contrast it with the current resurgence of autocratic tendencies globally (07:35).

• Implications of Assad's Fall: Engel discusses the unforeseen ripple effects of Assad's collapse, including shifting alliances and the potential for an Iranian nuclear arms race (08:15).

Notable Quote:

"The most pessimistic but perhaps realistic thing... could be a medium-term consequence of Assad falling is that the Iranians will decide that they really do need nuclear weapons." — Jeffrey Engel [08:27]

4. American Society and Political Disillusionment

The episode addresses rising disillusionment within American society:

• Luigi Mangione as a Folk Hero: Mangione's indictment becomes emblematic of broader frustrations with the healthcare system, leading to his unintended status as a folk hero (10:45).

• Healthcare System Failures: Engel critiques the opaque and profit-driven nature of American healthcare, highlighting widespread frustration among citizens (11:07).

• Economic Struggles of Young Americans: The guests discuss how economic hardships, stemming from the 2008 crash and the pandemic, have eroded faith in political institutions (14:19).

• Gun Violence Epidemic: Suri points to a recent school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, lamenting the stagnation in addressing gun violence despite its pervasive impact (14:49).

Notable Quote:

"There's a long tradition of the criminal folk hero in American history... They take on a hated impersonal institution." — Jeremy Suri [13:10]

5. Democracy, Liberalism, and the Rise of Populism

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the transformation of American liberalism and the implications of Donald Trump's reelection:

• End of Cold War Liberalism: Suri argues that the liberalism shaped by the Cold War, which linked market success with social equality, is evolving due to diminished public faith in its efficacy (17:40).

• Trump as an Outsider: Engel contemplates why Trump, despite being outside traditional political norms, garners substantial support. He suggests that Trump's blatant deviation from conventional politics appeals to voters disillusioned with the status quo (20:56).

• Impact on Democracy: DeCaro expresses disappointment in Trump's impact on democratic norms, noting his refusal to concede the 2020 election and the broader assault on objective reality (25:28).

Notable Quotes:

"If we are in a period of transition, the beginning of a new period... it's not going to be the democracies that the three of us grew up in, either." — Jeremy Suri [17:40]

"He trashed the peaceful transfer of Power, one of the foundations of our democracy." — Martin DeCaro [23:39]

6. Ongoing Wars and Middle Eastern Issues

The persistent conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East remain central to the 2024 review:

• Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Suri forecasts no imminent resolution, comparing the war to World War I's protracted stalemate (30:02). He highlights Russia's strategic losses and dwindling resources, casting doubt on a swift negotiated settlement (31:26).

• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: DeCaro underscores the unresolved Palestinian issue, with reports of severe ethnic cleansing in Gaza, making a two-state solution increasingly unattainable (33:47). Suri warns that Netanyahu's aggressive strategies may exacerbate long-term instability (34:26).

Notable Quote:

"Both Ukraine and Russia are hurting from this war... I don't foresee a clean, easy deal of any kind in Ukraine." — Jeremy Suri [30:02]

7. Positive Developments and Cultural Highlights

Amidst the chaos, the podcast highlights uplifting stories and cultural achievements:

• Caitlin Clark's Stellar Year: DeCaro praises basketball star Caitlin Clark for galvanizing female athleticism and leadership, symbolizing societal strides towards greater diversity (35:59).

• Entertainment and Literature: The hosts briefly discuss the year's movies and recommend impactful books, such as Jeffrey Engel's "Indian Wars Everywhere" and Jeremy Suri's favorite novel, "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles (37:21).

Notable Quote:

"She has galvanized an emerging particularly female athleticism and autonomy and leadership in our society." — Jeremy Suri [36:49]

8. Humor and Light-Hearted Discussions

The trio injects humor by debating the New York Jets' performance, reflecting on their personal frustrations as fans. This segment serves as a relatable and entertaining interlude amidst serious discussions.

9. Predictions for 2025

As the episode nears its end, the hosts offer their anticipations for the coming year:

• Assad's Fate: Engel predicts that Assad will likely face consequences for his actions, as the geopolitical landscape shifts against him (45:50).

  Notable Quote:

  "I would be shocked, shocked if we are having this discussion next year and he's still around because people who don't do well by Vladimir Putin tend to not be around." — Jeffrey Engel [46:08]

• Trump's Evolving Strategy: Suri foresees Trump distancing himself from his past policies, blaming others for current issues, which may alter his political influence (46:11).

  Notable Quote:

  "We will say, isn't it extraordinary that all the things Trump ran on, he's doing now the opposite and renouncing and blaming other people." — Jeremy Suri [46:43]

10. Conclusion

Martin DeCaro wraps up the episode by reiterating the unpredictable nature of history and expressing anticipation for future discussions. He invites listeners to subscribe for ongoing analysis as 2025 unfolds.

Notable Quote:

"We don't know what that." — Martin DeCaro [45:50]

This comprehensive review encapsulates the complexities and contradictions of 2024, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the year's defining moments through the lens of historical analysis.