(STR/AFP/Getty Images)
The Middle Kingdom
All Under Heaven?

Ge Zhaoguang’s history offers subtle warnings of the dangers of Chinese triumphalism.

© Getty Images
Religion and Modernity
The Francis Resistance

Ross Douthat’s new book sounds the alarm about Pope Francis, arguing that the much-beloved pontiff is leading the Church into a crisis. But is resistance the wisest option?

The Trump Precedent
The Future of Political Parties in Three Movements

Assuming that the current political situation reflects something deeper about our current politics, what will our democracy look like in the future?

Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images
red vs. blue
Are Our Politics Really “Tribal”?

Amy Chua’s new book mischaracterizes American politics and perpetuates stereotypes of tribal societies.

ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images
Awakenings
Pashtun Power in Pakistan

A new Pashtun rights movement has rapidly taken off in Pakistan, challenging the army head-on and attracting support far beyond the tribal areas. It could be the generals’ worst nightmare.

Courtesy of Gage Skidmore / Flickr
The “Libya Model”

So exactly what “Libya Model” did John Bolton have in mind?

ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images
A New Hope
Malaysia’s Democratic Breakthrough

“At a time when democracy is in retreat around the world, I hope that the people of Malaysia have given some hope to people around the world clamouring for their own freedom.”

—Anwar Ibrahim, May 15, 2018

PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images
Decommissioning History
Remembering the Past in Northern Ireland

Twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement, the guns are off the street, but history and memory continue to be weaponized.

Better Angels
The Top 14 Causes of Political Polarization

Why we can’t stand each other, explained.

MASSOUD HOSSAINI/AFP/Getty Images
Identity Politics
Getting Tribes: A Corrective

What Americans misunderstand about tribal cultures, and how it hurts U.S. foreign policy.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
© The American Interest LLC 2005-2025
About Us Privacy
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.