David Bromwich

David Bromwich teaches literature at Yale University. His latest books are American Breakdown: The Trump Years and How They Befell Us (Verso Books), and How Words Make Things Happen (Oxford), both published in 2019.

Ukrainian soldiers adjust flag

The Dangerous Myth of the “Good War” The Dangerous Myth of the “Good War”

The fantasy that the war in Ukraine is a war to secure democracy around the world has taken root among well-meaning liberals.

Sep 7, 2023 / David Bromwich

A black and white photo of a young Hannah Arendt lounging.

Hannah Arendt Was Really a Prophet Against Conformity Hannah Arendt Was Really a Prophet Against Conformity

To the question of how totalitarian methods could ever draw the compliance of free citizens, she replied: through the enchantment of success.

Jan 9, 2023 / Column / David Bromwich

US naturalization cerem

Democrats Dodged a Bullet in the Midterms, but the Culture War Is Far From Won Democrats Dodged a Bullet in the Midterms, but the Culture War Is Far From Won

A functioning democracy requires the consent, if not the votes, of a good deal more than half the country.

Dec 9, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Russian girls laughing

Russia Hating: A Study of the News—and Views—We Find Fit to Print Russia Hating: A Study of the News—and Views—We Find Fit to Print

Journalists and professors who have called Russia a fascist country are playing a poisonous game.

Oct 31, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Movie poster with the word Metropolis is red letters

The Political Lessons of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” The Political Lessons of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”

The 1927 film raises the question, “Who will mediate between our head and our hands?”

Oct 4, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Pentagon

Whose Rules? Our Rules! in the Rules-Based International Order Whose Rules? Our Rules! in the Rules-Based International Order

How the US leads by helping other people kill each other.

Aug 22, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Tom Cruise poses in a navy tuxedo with black bow tie.

The Rise of Bad Art and the Decline of Political Candor The Rise of Bad Art and the Decline of Political Candor

Though the language of cliché has switched from the middle-class respectability of the 1950s to our current obsessions with “inclusion” and concern for the marginalized, the practi...

Jul 11, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Peter Gelb and Anna Netrebeko on the red carpet

Waging Proxy War in Ukraine Won’t Save Us From Ourselves Waging Proxy War in Ukraine Won’t Save Us From Ourselves

The policing of public opinion over Ukraine goes to extremes unimagined during the fight against Hitler.

May 27, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

Destroyed apartment buildings in Ukraine

Against World War III Against World War III

Is a long, bloody war between Russia and Ukraine really in our national interest?

Apr 21, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

People of different backgrounds fit together as part of a half-completed puzzle

A Mirror on Every Wall—and a Microphone Behind Every Mirror A Mirror on Every Wall—and a Microphone Behind Every Mirror

The work of belonging is never done.

Mar 24, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

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