Stephen Kinzer

Polyethylene bags are used to protect bananas from pests and blight on a plantation in Costa Rica.

The shadow of the United Fruit Company still reaches across the globe today

About a hundred years ago, the Boston-based banana company, United Fruit, reigned supreme in Central America. It didn’t just own banana plantations, but also railroads and telephone lines. The company even dictated national policies and overthrew governments. For his podcast “Under the Shadow,” about US involvement in Central America, Michael Fox traveled to Guatemala, where he looked at the legacy of United Fruit and its impact on the global fruit industry today.

The shadow of the United Fruit Company still reaches across the globe today

John Kerry Begins Work as Secretary of State, Facing Iran, Drone War

John Kerry Begins Work as Secretary of State, Facing Iran, Drone War

Nicaraguans mourn death of Sandinista founder Tomás Borge

Nicaraguans mourn death of Sandinista founder Tomás Borge

The Twisted Legacy of Sandinista Founder Tomás Borge

The Twisted Legacy of Sandinista Founder Tomás Borge

Syrian Violence Continues After Peace Plan Deadline

Syrian Violence Continues After Peace Plan Deadline

Iran: Hope for Diplomacy?

Iran: Hope for Diplomacy?
The World

Foiled plot reveals an unstable Iran

To unpack this complicated plot are Stephen Kinzer, author of "Reset: Iran, Turkey and America's Future," and Mohsen Asgari, correspondent for the BBC in Iran.

Foiled plot reveals an unstable Iran
The World

After Egypt, Protests Ripple Throughout the Region

A democratic ripple is spreading across the Middle East, following Egypt's transition from three decades of authoritarian rule. The popular uprisings could transcend regional borders, and spur democratic change in others parts of the world as well.

After Egypt, Protests Ripple Throughout the Region

Where America Stands on Democracy in the Middle East

Stephen Kinzer, professor of international relations at Boston University, helps us understand exactly what the Obama administration's position is on the spread of democracy in the Middle East.

Where America Stands on Democracy in the Middle East
The World

Iran pursues nuclear ambitions, produces yellowcake uranium

Joining us to discuss the future nuclear landscape and Iran's position in the world is Stephen Kinzer, author of 'Reset: Iran, Turkey and America's Future.'

Iran pursues nuclear ambitions, produces yellowcake uranium
The World

Kagame expects resounding victory in Rwanda's presidential election

For a better understanding of the political climate in Rwanda, we talk with Stephen Kinzer, author of 'A Thousand Hills: Rwanda's Rebirth and the Man Who Dreamed It.' Will Ross of the BBC reports from a polling station in Rwanda.

Kagame expects resounding victory in Rwanda's presidential election
The World

Iran: an uprising, a crackdown. One year later, where's the revolutionary spirit?

One year ago, Iran appeared to be on the brink of a revolution. Stephen Kinzer, author of "Reset: Iran, Turkey and American's Future," spent two weeks in Iran in May. He asked Iranians whether the anniversary of the protests might itself be a revolution.

Iran: an uprising, a crackdown. One year later, where's the revolutionary spirit?
The World

Protests in Iran mark 31 years since revolution

Today is the 31st anniversary of the Iranian revolution, and to mark that date, Iranians took to the streets in protest this morning. We look at the challenges - both internal and external - that Iran is facing.

Protests in Iran mark 31 years since revolution
The World

Iranian Paranoia: Is It Justified?

Earlier this summer, the Iranian intelligence chief claimed Western forces were behind the post-election protests. The Takeaway talks with author Stephen Kinzer, who explains that Iran's history has left them justifiably paranoid of foreign influence.

Iranian Paranoia: Is It Justified?
The World

US to focus on Turkey

US to focus on Turkey