David Armitage on the Declaration’s Influence Around the World

David Armitage on the Declaration’s Influence Around the World

Author: National Constitution Center May 28, 2026 Duration: 45:20
The National Constitution Center recently published The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals (Simon & Schuster), a keepsake collection of essays bringing together leading thinkers from across perspectives to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the American experiment and what those principles have meant across generations of American life. In this episode, Professor David Armitage discusses his essay, “The Declaration’s Influence Around the World,” which explores the document’s international legacy as a powerful blueprint for collective rights and national self-determination, and its ever-evolving domestic legacy as a touchstone for individual rights and human equality. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.    Resources  David Armitage, “The Declaration’s Influence Around the World”  National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence  Lemuel Haynes, “Liberty Further Extended” (1776)  Vermont Declaration of Independence (1777)  French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789)  Haitian Declaration of Independence (1804)  Venezuelan Declaration of Independence (1811)  Greek Declaration of Independence (1822)  Belgian Declaration of Independence (1830)  New Zealand Declaration of Independence (1835)  Texas Declaration of Independence (1836)  Liberia Declaration of Independence (1847)  Declaration of Sentiments (1848)  Hungary Declaration of Independence (1849)  Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (1945)  Israel Declaration of Independence (1948)  Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)  Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Southern Rhodesia (1965)  The Black Declaration of Independence (1970)  Kosovo Declaration of Independence (2008)  Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Hosted by National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, We the People is a weekly conversation that digs into the constitutional questions shaping the country right now. This isn't just a history lesson, though historical context is always part of the discussion. Instead, each episode brings together leading voices-legal scholars, journalists, public officials, and advocates-to engage in thoughtful, civil debate. You'll hear genuine dialogue where participants articulate and defend their positions, offering a clearer understanding of the complex legal and philosophical principles at stake. The goal is to move beyond headlines and soundbites, providing a forum where the best arguments from all sides are presented with depth and respect. Tuning into this podcast feels like sitting in on a crucial discussion at the intersection of law, politics, and society, one that illuminates how the Constitution actively influences contemporary American life. Produced by the National Constitution Center, it serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their grasp of the nation's founding document and its powerful, ongoing role in our public discourse.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

We the People
Podcast Episodes
The Ideas at the Heart of the Declaration and the Constitution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:49
In this episode, David Blight, Robert P. George, and Annette Gordon-Reed explore the enduring ideas at the core of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution—including equality, liberty, the pursuit of hap…
Eric Slauter on The Declaration’s Promises [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:02
The National Constitution Center recently published The Promise of America: Reflections on Our Enduring Ideals (Simon & Schuster), a keepsake collection of essays bringing together leading thinkers from across perspectiv…
Carol Berkin on the Declaration’s lesser-known signers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:02
If you ask Americans to name the signers of the Declaration of Independence, they will probably mention John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. But what about the other 52 delegates from the 13…
Michael Auslin on National Treasure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:51
In this episode, Michael Auslin joins to discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a sweeping and vivid history of the Declaration of Independence from its drafting to its…
Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Congressional Map [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:36
On April 29, 2026, in Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court invalidated a Louisiana congressional map, holding that racial considerations cannot predominate in the drawing of electoral districts. The ruling narrowed Se…
Sarah Isgur on Last Branch Standing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:38
Sarah Isgur joins for a conversation on her new book, Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court. Drawing on history, law, and current debates, Sarah Isgur off…
Revolutionary State Constitutions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:10
In this episode, scholars Nicholas Cole and Robert Williams examine how American constitutional democracy is rooted in the crafting of Revolutionary-era state constitutions. Beginning in May 1776, Americans gave independ…