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American Civil War

Liberian school children in the courtyard at Cathedral High School as students arrive in the morning to attend class in Monrovia, Liberia, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015. 

How we make decisions about politics in the aftermath of conflict

Critical State

During Liberia’s civil war, thousands of school children missed out on schooling. Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter by Inkstick Media, looks at the impact of school interruptions on the future politics of those children who missed out during the conflict.

A group of military men stand in a line with their weapons.

Analysis: Who joins rebel armies?

Critical State
A decorative ornament on sale at the White House of the Confederacy.

Confederate Christmas ornaments are smaller than statues — but they send the same racist message

a confederate party in brazil

Brazil’s long, strange love affair with the Confederacy ignites racial tension

Identity
A couple is backlit against a stark stone fort interior.

Pirates brought enslaved Africans to Virginia’s shores. Where, exactly, is debatable.

Union soldiers entrenched along the west bank of the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, Virginia.

How wars end part II: the American Civil War

Conflict & Justice

Jeb Sharp explores the lessons from the American Civil War that resonate with current events in Iraq.

Congress, The President and War: A History

The War Powers Clause, Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution, grants Congress the power to declare war: “The Congress shall have power to…declare war; To raise and support armies…To provide and maintain a navy; To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces; To provide for calling forth the […]

A Confederate battle flag flies at the grave of a Confederate Civil War soldier in South Carolina

The Confederate origins of Memorial Day

Global Politics

Memorial Day was originally envisioned by Southern women in the US to honor Civil War soldiers. Today it’s become many things to many people.

The Battle of Gettysburg, 150 Years Later

When Union and Confederate soldiers clashed at the Battle of Gettysburg, 150 years ago today, The Saturday Evening Post sent reporters to cover the fighting. Today, the Post is one of the few remaining publications that covered the Civil War, as the magazine began printing in 1821. It is because of that legacy that  Jeff Nilsson, […]

The Civil War: Celeste Headlee’s Story

It’s the 150th anniversary of The Civil War and the effects are still with us. Celeste Headlee reflects on her family’s role in the Civil War; the branches of her family tree include both slaves and owners. The Civil War is over, but the fight continues; we still argue over whether to fly the Confederate […]