World War II

Photo of a historical inscription in the Remterkeller of Halberstadt Cathedral.

Their Atrocities—and Ours: Thinking About the Wrong Side of History Their Atrocities—and Ours: Thinking About the Wrong Side of History

Can a cause still be just, even if atrocities have been committed on its behalf?

Aug 12, 2024 / Bruce Robbins

Heinrich Himmler inspecting the Galicia Division in May 1944. Otto Wächter is in the background.

Why Is the American Library Association Whitewashing the History of Ukrainian Nazis? Why Is the American Library Association Whitewashing the History of Ukrainian Nazis?

In honoring a book depicting Ukrainian volunteers in the Waffen SS as heroes and patriots, the group reveals historical ignorance—or indifference to antisemitism.

Apr 10, 2024 / Lev Golinkin

Robert Downey Jr. poses with his Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Robert Downey Jr.’s Portrayal of Lewis Strauss May Finally Land Him an Oscar Robert Downey Jr.’s Portrayal of Lewis Strauss May Finally Land Him an Oscar

There is more to know about Strauss’s role in the devastating aftermath of the Castle Bravo test in 1954.

Mar 8, 2024 / Ivana Nikolić Hughes and Christian Ciobanu

black-and-white photo of Hiroshima, japan, following the united states' atomic bomb.

Oppenheimer Opened a Door. We Can Close It. Oppenheimer Opened a Door. We Can Close It.

A world beyond the bomb is not a utopian fantasy.

Aug 8, 2023 / Derek Johnson

black and white photo of j. robert oppenheimer testifying before the senate

Even as the Oppenheimer Film Rights a Historic Wrong, the Memo That Smeared Him Remains Redacted Even as the Oppenheimer Film Rights a Historic Wrong, the Memo That Smeared Him Remains Redacted

The physicist was punished for opposing development of the hydrogen bomb, and for warning about the dangers of nuclear proliferation.

Jul 21, 2023 / Peter Shinkle

J. Robert Oppenheimer pointing to an image of the atomic bomb explosion

Why “Oppenheimer” Could Be That Teachable Moment Why “Oppenheimer” Could Be That Teachable Moment

Even if Oppenheimer won’t provide a resolution of our nuclear quandary, it could amplify awareness of the danger too often accepted as normal.

Jul 18, 2023 / John Mecklin

Black and white photo of young people protesting against nuclear weapons, holding sign that reads 'stop nuclear weapons'

Why I Will See “Oppenheimer” Before “Barbie” Why I Will See “Oppenheimer” Before “Barbie”

How my father’s life working to end the nuclear threat influences me.

Jul 18, 2023 / Michele Willens

Donald Trump hugs the flag of the United States of America at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in 2020.

Is America Worth Saving? Is America Worth Saving?

Known as “the arsenal of democracy” during World War II, America has now simply become an arsenal.

Jun 9, 2023 / William Astore

A car sits in front of a burned apartment building and pile of rubble. A soldier stands in front of the car.

There Is No Winning in Modern Warfare There Is No Winning in Modern Warfare

The US military may have achieved just one success of any significance since 1945—despite becoming the best-funded institution in this country. 

May 2, 2023 / Tom Engelhardt

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Letters: Shinzo Abe’s Legacy Letters: Shinzo Abe’s Legacy

Readers offer further insights on the former Japanese prime minister's vexed relationship with history.

Sep 27, 2022 / Our Readers

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