Corona and the Kremlin
How the Oil Shock Will Contain Putin

Russia’s military has historically been more active when energy prices soar and less so when they fall. Now, with COVID-19, they are falling precipitously.

Lessons from History
The Pandemic and a Free Press

History shows that for the world’s autocrats, some control over the media is never enough—and COVID-19 offers dangerous new pretexts for consolidating their power.

(Wikimedia Commons)
Plagues of the Past
Fear and Loathing in Philadelphia

In 1793, the former U.S. capital was ravaged by yellow fever. Its response illustrated the limits of the Enlightenment—but also the strength of the Republic.

“Boss Tweet” by user DonkeyHotey (via Flickr)
Political Decay
Patronage and the Pandemic

While we don’t have all the answers yet, early indicators suggest that the President is using wide latitude to direct supplies to his supporters and to benefit businesses close to him.

(Wikimedia Commons)
Virtual Representation
The National Party Conventions Under Coronavirus

To move them online would be a logical continuation of pre-COVID trends. It could also weaken the parties.

Family Secrets
Why King Abdullah Is King

His father, King Hussein, had always wanted it that way, he just never told anybody. Except me.

(Needpix.com)
Word to the Wise
Beware the Lion in the Kremlin

Vladimir Putin is a predator who feeds on fear and weakness. Appeasing him will only encourage him to come back for more.

Constitutional Corruption
The Kremlin’s Crumbling Walls

If Putin remains in control through 2030, the problem will still be: after Putin, what?

Kremlinology
Behind Putin’s Power Grab

With Russia’s newest constitutional changes, Putin has effectively rendered himself President for Life. But a closer look at his power play—and his botched response to COVID-19—reveals a more vulnerable leader than we might think.

(Official White House Photo)
Captive DNI
Intelligence Failure

The Director of National Intelligence was created after the 9/11 disaster to bring coherence to the intelligence community and “speak truth to power.” Trump wants a DNI who will tell him only what he wants to hear.

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