History
The Philosophy of Our Time
Jean-Paul Sartre’s existential Marxism offers a radical philosophical foundation for today’s revitalized critiques of capitalism.
The Origins of Birthright Citizenship
The Fourteenth Amendment captures the idea that no people born in the United States should be forced to live in the shadows.
This Is Not a Witch Hunt
Trump would do well to remember that it is only a witch hunt if the accusations are untrue.
When the Klan Came to Town
History reminds us that firm and sometimes violent opposition to racists is a time-honored American tradition.
Why Do We Pledge Allegiance?
Few democracies require children to make a daily declaration of fealty to country.
How Slavery Inspired Modern Business Management
By “dangling the carrot” to improve worker productivity, businesses are taking a page from slavery’s playbook.
When Catholicism Embraced Modernity
In the mid-twentieth century, the Church radically changed its position on whether religion is a public or private matter.
Erdogan’s Ottomania
In a bid to consolidate power, Erdoğan is reshaping Turkish politics in the image of the Ottoman past.
Be Realistic: Demand the Impossible
The revolutionaries of 1968 didn't succeed, but the world still needs turning upside down.
White Supremacy Has Always Been Mainstream
“Very fine people”—fathers, husbands, and sons, as well as mothers, wives, and daughters—have always been central to the work of white supremacy.
Liberalism and the Left
American politics has seen the fiercest resurgence of left-liberal conflict since the 1960s.
Why the President Needs More Power
Given congressional dysfunction, the most promising path to effective government may be to enhance presidential power—at least in select ways.
Peace Regimes
Trump has promised a Korean “peace regime.” But whose peace is being insured? And who is subject to its imposition?
When Gays Wanted to Liberate Children
Seventies activists wanted to emancipate kids and destroy the nuclear family—so how did we end up with gay marriage instead?
Brother Martin Was a Blues Man
Cornel West on Martin Luther King, Jr., hope, and the future of activism, in conversation with Brandon M. Terry, Elizabeth Hinton, and Tommie Shelby.
A Political Philosophy of Self-Defense
Self-defense is not merely an individual right; it is collective political resistance.
Coates and West in Jackson
America loves pitting Black intellectuals against each other, but today’s activists need both Coates and West.
Good Reader, Bad Reader
Bad readers were not born; they were created. To know them is to understand literature and politics in postwar America.
Get our newsletter
Vital reading on politics, ideas, and culture to your inbox
A political and literary forum, independent and nonprofit since 1975
Registered 501(c)(3) organization
Help Us Stay Paywall-Free
Become a Member