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.

Will the Democrats Renew Their Membership in the War Party?

Will the Democrats Renew Their Membership in the War Party? Will the Democrats Renew Their Membership in the War Party?

Regardless of which party is in power, US foreign policy since 9/11 has meant a unified government under the masters of war.

Mar 11, 2021 / Column / David Bromwich

Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building

We Balk at ‘Law and Order,’ but Democracy Needs the Rule of Law We Balk at ‘Law and Order,’ but Democracy Needs the Rule of Law

The preservation of our liberties has always depended more on habit than on compulsion.

Jan 25, 2021 / Column / David Bromwich

California wildfires

Will the World End in Nuclear—or Climate—Catastrophe? Will the World End in Nuclear—or Climate—Catastrophe?

Our politicians’ warmongering merely distracts us from the bigger picture of global disaster.

Jun 12, 2019 / David Bromwich

Donald Trump’s Ruling Passions

Donald Trump’s Ruling Passions Donald Trump’s Ruling Passions

Driven by publicity and money, Trump wields prejudice to serve his aims.

Jan 12, 2018 / Feature / David Bromwich

Donald Trump in Wilkes Barre

The Soul of the Tea Party The Soul of the Tea Party

The Koch brothers may have paid for some buses, but Fox News and talk radio filled them with bodies.

May 17, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Bromwich

Iran press conference

The Same People Who Pushed for the Invasion of Iraq Now Want to Scrap the Iran Deal The Same People Who Pushed for the Invasion of Iraq Now Want to Scrap the Iran Deal

Even if the agreement is signed into law, Iran hawks will keep lobbying for a president who will abandon it.

Aug 24, 2015 / David Bromwich

It’s Time to Rethink American Exceptionalism

It’s Time to Rethink American Exceptionalism It’s Time to Rethink American Exceptionalism

To believe that our nation has always been exceptional requires a suppression of ordinary skepticism and a belief that calls for extraordinary arrogance.

Oct 24, 2014 / David Bromwich

How Obama Became a Publicist for His Presidency

How Obama Became a Publicist for His Presidency How Obama Became a Publicist for His Presidency

Obama takes himself to be something like a benevolent monarch—a king in a mixed constitutional system, where the duties of the crown are largely ceremonial. 

Mar 10, 2014 / David Bromwich

George W. Obama? Symptoms of the Bush-Obama Presidency George W. Obama? Symptoms of the Bush-Obama Presidency

Is it too soon to speak of the Bush-Obama presidency? A look at Obama's perpetuation of Bush's economic and national security policies. 

Aug 18, 2011 / David Bromwich

Washington Wonders What to Say About Arab Freedom Washington Wonders What to Say About Arab Freedom

The administration constantly spoke of an “orderly transition,” unsure of how to support Egyptian demonstrators while not offending Mubarak. As Egypt’s example sp...

Mar 10, 2011 / David Bromwich

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