#257: Fighting for Peace: From Lincoln to Modern Europe

Politics and Polls

Following Russia's invasion into Ukraine, the world finds itself again in a moment of war. As gunfire and bombings continue, it's unclear whether Putin will give up this fight, leading to questions about how to achieve an end to the conflict. Moving into a successful post-war peace will require thoughtful and deliberate leadership — characteristics that President Abraham Lincoln displayed during and after the Civil War. A new book by author John Avlon provides a groundbreaking, revelatory account of Lincoln's approach to peace — one that's inspired many famous leaders including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avlon joins Julian Zelizer and Sam Wang in this week’s show to talk about the book, “Abraham Lincoln: Fight for Peace,” published by Simon & Schuster in February 2022. Avlon is a senior political analyst and anchor at CNN. He is an award-winning columnist and the author of Independent Nation, Wingnuts, and Washington’s Farewell. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief and managing director of The Daily Beast and served as chief speechwriter for the Mayor of New York during the attacks of 9/11.