Politics
Detroiters Are Not Waiting to Be Saved
Inspired by the work of James and Grace Lee Boggs, many young Detroit activists are turning to forms of mutual aid to meet the needs of their communities.
Putin’s Anti-Gay War on Ukraine
How the Kremlin weaponizes “traditional values,” portraying LGBT rights as existential threats to the nation.
The U.S. Christians Who Pray for Putin
The mystical connection between white Southern nostalgia, the global family values movement, and Russia.
Budgeting Justice
Cities must empower historically marginalized communities to shape how public funds are spent.
The Humanitarian Disgrace of Australia’s Immigration Regime
Twenty years of cruel anti-immigrant policy have left thousands of asylum seekers in limbo, detained in offshore prisons or in mainland commercial hotels.
The Fight for Reparations Cannot Ignore Climate Change
Racial redress should be modeled on the global anticolonial tradition of worldbuilding.
Prospects for Peace and Justice in Israel and Palestine
A recording of our event featuring Noam Chomsky, Sally Abed, Omar Dahi, Alon-lee Green, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Dr. James Zogby, President of the Arab-American Institute.
Frederick Douglass and American Empire in Haiti
Toward the end of his life, Frederick Douglass served briefly as U.S. ambassador to Haiti. The disastrous episode reveals much about the country’s long struggle for Black sovereignty while always under the threat of U.S. empire.
Reaping What We Sow
Making the issue a matter of personality traits can distract us from the historical and material origins of our present crisis.
The Lives of Others
Combatting the West’s pandemic self-interest requires humanism in addition to humility.
Public Policy after Pandemic
The United States wasn’t prepared for COVID-19, despite decades of warnings. What must we do to plan more effectively?
In Praise of One-Size-Fits-All
Critiques of vaccine mandates continue a neoliberal tradition of idolizing private choice at the expense of the public good.
SNCC’s Unruly Internationalism
Though the organization’s legacy has been domesticated, its grassroots leadership embraced the global fight for freedom.
A Path to Neighborhood Power
Well-meaning nonprofits don’t go far enough in the fight against gentrification. Residents themselves must be in charge, and neighborhood trusts point the way.
Sacrificing for the Climate
In the most turbine-surrounded community in the world, poor residents understand that their loss—of land, jobs, and serenity—has nothing to do with the common good. Clean energy advocates should take notice.
The Violent Logic of Humanitarianism
The U.S. occupation of Afghanistan sacrificed politics—the only viable route to peace—for massive corruption and violence.
The Specter of Inflation
Democrats don’t lose elections because of rising prices. They lose when they cut spending and raise interest rates, sacrificing other goals at the altar of price stability.
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