Episode 4: The Long Shadow of the Civil War – Part 2/ Leadership in Turbulent Times

In the second half of our conversation with historian Jeremy Suri, we turn from America’s complex past to the pressing question of how leadership works today in a time of turbulence and distrust. From Lincoln’s unexpected transformation to the barriers that prevent capable leaders from rising, Suri explores what history can teach us about strengthening democracy. He examines the structural forces shaping our politics, the everyday acts of citizenship that still make a difference, and the ways hope endures even in difficult moments. This episode offers a candid and thought-provoking look at leading with clarity and purpose in a divided age—and serves as a powerful conclusion to his contributions to our exploration of America’s “why.”Host: Matthew Levinger – Host of the America’s Why Podcast and Professor of Practice of International Affairs at the George Washington University.Guest: Jeremy Suri – Professor of Public Affairs and History at the University of Texas at Austin.Learn more about Jeremi Suri’s podcast This is Democracy and explore its episodes at: https://www.jeremisuri.net/this-is-democracyVisit our website to learn more about the America’s Why Project and join the conversation: americaswhyproject.comListen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon MusicThe views expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those held by the America's Why Project team or the George Washington University.