Fennell Lecture 2026 - Professor Greg Grandin, Yale University

Professor Greg Grandin will be discussing the broader themes of his new book, "America, América: A new history of the New World', in light of the current crisis. The story of how the United States’ identity was formed is almost invariably told by looking east to Europe, but as Grandin vividly demonstrates, the nation’s unique sense of itself was in fact forged facing south toward Latin America. In turn, Latin America developed its own identity in struggle with the looming colossus to the north. In this stunningly original reinterpretation of the New World, Grandin reveals how north and south emerged from a constant, turbulent engagement with each other.

"America, América" traverses half a millennium, from the Spanish Conquest — the greatest mortality event in human history — through the 18th-century wars for independence, the Monroe Doctrine, the coups and revolutions of the 20th century, and beyond. Grandin shows, among other things, how in response to US interventions, Latin Americans remade the rules, leading directly to the founding of the United Nations; and how the Good Neighbor Policy allowed FDR to assume the moral authority to lead the fight against world fascism. "America, América" shows that centuries of bloodshed and diplomacy not only helped shape the political identities of the United States and Latin America but also the laws, institutions, and ideals that govern the modern world. In so doing, Grandin argues that Latin America’s deeply held culture of social democracy can be an effective counterweight to today’s spreading right-wing authoritarianism.

Professor Grandin's lecture will be followed by a reception in the Appleton Concourse.

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