Politics
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.
Radical Movements and Political Power
Today’s social movements are grappling once again with a central challenge for the New Left: how to remedy injustice while maintaining vitality and independence from the political system.
The Radical Promise of Human History
A sweeping new history of humanity upends the story of civilization, inviting us to imagine how our own societies could be radically different.
Is Nuclear Power Our Best Bet Against Climate Change?
Beyond carbon emissions and safety, the debate must also confront how the choices we make now constrain the kind of world we can build in the future.
Abandoning Afghans from the Start
Tactical critiques of the war’s conduct are a distraction from U.S. imperialism.
Police Violence Is a Disability Justice Issue
More than half of disabled people experience long-term poverty, increasing the chances of violent police encounters.
The Violent Logic of Humanitarianism
The U.S. occupation of Afghanistan sacrificed politics—the only viable route to peace—for massive corruption and violence.
Study the Warmakers
From drone strikes to counterinsurgency efforts, the work of the late historian Nasser Hussain highlights the importance of understanding the mechanics of the War on Terror, not just its effects.
Bad Information
We should blame conspiracy theories like QAnon on politics, not the faulty reasoning of individuals.
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.
Against Incrementalism
Center-left parties should learn that small-bore solutions are a waste of time.
How Not to Fix Gentrification
The community development industry has failed in the fight for fair housing. Despite claiming to involve residents, power and self-interest still have the final say.
The News Is Dead, Long Live the News!
Public interest journalism may not be salvageable. But more than being saved, it needs to be radically rethought.
The Battle for Okinawa
While Japanese and U.S. officials celebrate a demilitatization in the pacific islands, Okinawans protest persistent military colonialism.