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Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith

Foreign Policy

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The Erie Canal: How a ‘big ditch’ transformed America’s economy, culture and even religion

The Erie Canal: How a ‘big ditch’ transformed America’s economy, culture and even religion

Two hundred years ago, the Erie Canal was often derided as a ‘folly.’ Yet the waterway went on to transform the American frontier.

20.10.2025 2

The Conversation

Matthew Smith

Lafayette helped Americans turn the tide in their fight for independence – and 50 years later, he helped forge the growing nation’s sense of identity

Hailed as a returning hero, the Marquis de Lafayette made a grand tour of the US in 1824-25, just before the country’s 50th birthday.

09.06.2025 5

The Conversation

Matthew Smith

This Trump Executive Order Is Bad for Human Rights and the First Amendment

A Trump executive order is undermining the International Criminal Court’s work to pursue justice for crimes against humanity.

07.06.2025 40

The New York Times

Matthew Smith