Politics
From Revolution to Reformism
Leaders of the left abandoned the language of transformation in the 1980s—at a cost. Can it be regained?
Crises and Common Sense
The pandemic holds important political lessons for the climate crisis, but they must be taught.
How Nations Heal
We cannot simply put the past behind us. The framework of transitional justice offers a promising path forward.
Where Trumpism Lives
Pro-Trump support remains driven by relatively well-off whites in fast-growing, diversifying suburbs—not by Rust Belt economic despair.
Our Machiavellian Moment
Much maligned as a mere tactician of power, Machiavelli was in fact a philosopher of the people.
The False Promise of Obama’s “Promised Land”
In his memoir, the former president makes clear he had no intention of being a savior.
What We Still Get Wrong About Alexander Hamilton
Far from a partisan for free markets, the Founding Father insisted on the need for economic planning. We need more of that vision today.
How Did the GOP Become the Party of Ideas?
If Trump was the end of the “party of ideas,” the rise of Reagan was its start.
Is There a War on Thanksgiving?
Some on the right insist that efforts to curtail Thanksgiving are in reality sinister attempts to rewrite the country’s history.
How to Fix the Climate
Diplomacy isn’t enough. To decarbonize the economy, we must integrate bottom-up, local experimentation with top-down, global cooperation.
Against Returning to Normal
Joe Biden positioned himself as the “return to normalcy” candidate. But normalcy is not something we can afford—we must actively resist it.
Biden Must Put Democracy First
Unless we bolster its foundations, our enfeebled democracy won’t be able to solve any of the daunting problems Biden has singled out as priorities.
I Don’t Have to Forgive Joe Biden
We should condemn the president-elect’s record on race, but that does not foreclose hope for his administration.
How to Fix the Climate
Biden should rejoin the Paris Agreement, but diplomacy isn’t enough. To decarbonize the economy, we must integrate bottom-up, local experimentation with top-down, global cooperation.
Bolsonaro’s War Against Reason
The Brazilian president’s offensive against universities threatens democracy and recalls the dark years of the country’s dictatorship.
Democracy Hangs in the Balance
Part two of a conversation on voter turnout, vote counting, and what we can expect now.
From the Editor: Thinking in a Pandemic
COVID-19 is not just a public health crisis. It is also a crisis of public reason.
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