Featured

Keep Your Eye on the Ball
 

The path to addressing political despair begins with moving beyond daily distractions and focusing on rebuilding trust in our institutions. Citizens’ Assemblies offer a practical and inspiring approach, bringing diverse voices together to tackle complex challenges through collaboration and shared purpose.

Jerry Kohn

The Return of Political Violence 

This article explores the visceral reactions to the public execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, highlighting how anger, possibly fueled by social media and systemic injustices, has become a defining force in modern American society. It underscores the dangerous cycle of rage and violence, noting how it often obscures justice and forewarns of a growing embrace of political and social instability.

An Anachronism That Still Flourishes

A.M. Hickman sees upstate New York as a place in decline but full of rugged beauty and independent spirit. He admires its honesty, simplicity, and connection to America's roots, untouched by modern changes.

The Normal American

Fintan O’Toole argues that Trump’s supporters, despite his disparagement of America, demonstrate a profound confidence in its resilience, viewing his disruptive leadership as a path to restoring imagined national normalcy. The election underscores shifting gender dynamics and societal divisions, redefining the idea of who is considered a "normal American."

A Carnival of Destruction

The elite's complicity in mass movements lies in their thrill at unmasking societal hypocrisy, yet this descent into shamelessness fuels a carnival of destruction that empowers mob rule. Straddling the line between boldness and brazen disregard, figures like Trump and Musk embody the seductive but corrosive allure of totalitarian nihilism.

Elite Failure

Discover why Donald Trump’s political comeback is more than just another election win—it's the embodiment of a powerful movement fueled by everyday Americans demanding real change. This article dives deep into the growing resentment toward an elite establishment and uncovers how Trump has harnessed a collective sense of frustration and urgency, reshaping American politics as he challenges the power of longstanding institutions.

Voting, Again, With Everything Seemingly On the Line

This article examines the intense polarization and fatigue surrounding the upcoming election, focusing on the deep divisions between political factions in the United States. It highlights the dangers posed by a potential second term for Donald Trump, considering his influence over followers more loyal to him than to democratic institutions. The piece underscores the need for genuine dialogue and public engagement to bridge divides and suggests that despite profound disagreements, standing up for shared values is essential to sustaining democracy.

Tribalism & Cosmopolitanism

A talk given by Roger Berkowitz at “Tribalism and Cosmopolitanism: How Can We Imagine a Pluralist Politics.” Sponsored by the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities at Bard College.