Daniel Immerwahr

Daniel Immerwahr is a professor of history at Northwestern University and author of multiple influential works examining United States territory, power, and global influence. His academic research focuses on development, empire, and the history of American foreign relations. His 2019 book "How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States" became a New York Times bestseller and received widespread critical acclaim. The work explores America's overseas territories and military outposts, examining how these possessions shaped U.S. history and global power projection. Prior to this, Immerwahr published "Thinking Small: The United States and the Lure of Community Development" (2015), which won the Organization of American Historians' Merle Curti Award. The book analyzes how small-scale development projects became central to U.S. foreign policy during the mid-twentieth century. Beyond his books, Immerwahr's writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The New Republic. His research has been supported by institutions including the Mellon Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Readers consistently highlight Immerwahr's ability to uncover overlooked aspects of American history while maintaining an engaging narrative style. On Goodreads, "How to Hide an Empire" averages 4.4/5 stars from over 12,000 ratings. What readers liked: - Clear, accessible writing that makes complex topics understandable - Use of specific examples and surprising connections - Balanced presentation of historical facts - Fresh perspective on familiar historical events - Thorough research and documentation What readers disliked: - Some sections become too detailed or technical - Focus occasionally strays from main arguments - A few readers felt the tone became polemical at times - Some wanted more analysis of current implications Amazon reviews (4.7/5 from 2,000+ ratings) frequently mention the book's revelatory nature. One reader noted: "This changed how I view American history completely." Another wrote: "Immerwahr presents forgotten history without sensationalism." "Thinking Small" received fewer reviews but similar praise for research quality, though some found its academic style less engaging than his later work.

How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States (2019) Examines the United States' territorial possessions beyond its mainland, including the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and various military bases, exploring how these holdings have shaped American history.

Think Like an Indian: A Guide to Federal Indian Law (2019) Analyzes the legal framework governing Native American tribes and their relationship with the United States federal government.

The Politics of Development: How Global Development Became a Cold War Weapon (2015) Chronicles how international development programs became a strategic tool during the Cold War era, focusing on U.S. efforts to counter communist influence.

Quests for Permanence: State Housing Programs in America and India, 1930-1965 (2008) Compares public housing initiatives in the United States and India during the mid-twentieth century, examining their implementation and social impact.

Thinking Small: The United States and the Lure of Community Development (2015) Traces the history of community development programs in U.S. foreign and domestic policy from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Jared Diamond examines how geography, environment and technology shape human societies through sweeping historical narratives. His works like "Guns, Germs and Steel" parallel Immerwahr's analytical approach to explaining large-scale historical developments.

Stephen Kinzer investigates American imperialism and foreign intervention through detailed case studies and archival research. His focus on hidden histories and power dynamics aligns with Immerwahr's exploration of overlooked U.S. territories and influence.

James C. Scott analyzes how states exercise power and how people resist centralized control through historical examples. His examination of governance and resistance connects to Immerwahr's interest in territorial control and alternative power structures.

Christina Snyder studies colonialism, empire, and indigenous histories in North America through multifaceted perspectives. Her work on sovereignty and cultural interaction relates to Immerwahr's exploration of U.S. territorial relationships.

Greg Grandin writes about U.S. empire, Latin America, and the borderlands through interconnected historical narratives. His investigation of American power beyond conventional borders mirrors Immerwahr's focus on the U.S. presence in overlooked territories.