What we’re about
We share perspectives on books and topics in History and Foreign Affairs in a friendly, small group roundtable discussion format. Our focus is on interesting eras, significant events, transformative figures, and trends across cultures and time. By discussing how Geography, Economics and Trade, Technology, Politics, and Culture have shaped History, we can better understand modern world events and current geopolitical conflicts.
If you have a passion for discussing topics in History and Foreign Affairs, you will enjoy being a part of our community.
Upcoming events
4
•OnlineHistory Discussion: Nixon and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
OnlineWe'll discuss this brutal war, its causes, failed diplomacy, and intervention by India and the US. We'll cover the Nixon and Kissinger policy known as "the tilt" that prioritized Cold War strategy over human rights, as well as other factors including geography, language and geopolitics,
George Harrison organized the first major celebrity-backed benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for refugees displaced by the conflict.
Suggested Readings: for background
Bangladesh Liberation War In 1971 (comprehensive summary of the war)
How the Cold War Shaped Bangladesh's Liberation War (1 Page)
Op Ed NY Times: Nixon and Kissinger’s Forgotten Shame (1 page)10 attendees
•OnlineBook Discussion: Executing the Rosenbergs by Lori Clune
OnlineThe 1953 execution of Julius and Etlhel Rosenberg for espionage-related crimes defined the Cold War and horrified the world. Clune provides insights into the views of Truman, Eisenhower, Roy Cohn, Judge Kaufman, Einstein and Pope Pius XII, as well as the international perspective.
The trial raised questions about the legal process, Antisemistism, Human Rights, and whether the couple deserved blame for the Korean War at the same time that the US government was trying to appear tough on Communism while also trying to appear more humane than the Soviets as the two superpowers vied for influence during their Cold War rivalry.
Executing the Rosenbergs: Death and Diplomacy in a Cold War World by Lori Clune (288 pp) is available in all formats at public libraries and bookstores.10 attendees
•OnlineBook Discussion: A Savage War of Peace: Algeria, 1954-1962 by Alistair Horne
OnlineWe'll discuss the Algerian War (1954 to 1962) - a struggle of nationalism vs. imperialism, marked by brutality on both sides. This war was highly significant to the anti-colonial movement, serving as a powerful symbol and inspiration for other liberation movements in former colonies worldwide seeking self-determination after WW II.
The Algerian War brought down six French governments, returned de Gaulle to power, and came close to provoking a civil war in France. More than a million Muslim Algerians died in the conflict and a million European settlers were driven into exile.
A Savage War of Peace: Algeria, 1954-1962 by Alistair Horne (566 pages minus appendices) is available in all formats at public libraries and bookstores.
An alternate option is to read a summary of the Algerian war and watch the critically acclaimed movie The Battle of Algiers (1966) on HBO, Amazon Prime, Youtube, etc.7 attendees
•OnlineBook Discussion: Empire of AI: Dreams & Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI-K Hao
OnlineAn eye-opening account of arguably the most fateful tech arms race in history, reshaping the planet in real time, from a brilliant longtime AI insider with intimate access to the world of Sam Altman's OpenAI.
Hao provides answers to many essential questions that should be asked about this massively disruptive sector, including – What could go wrong?
A New York Times Notable Book • An Instant New York Times Bestseller • One of Smithsonian's Top 10 Science Books of the Year
“A bestselling page-turner that has made waves not just in Silicon Valley but around the world . . . With Empire of AI, Hao is fundamentally shaping many people’s perceptions and understanding of the company at the center of the AI revolution.” —TIME Magazine, “TIME100 AI 2025”
Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI by Karen Hao is available in all formats at public libraries and bookstores.(421 pp)7 attendees
Past events
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