Kai Bird

Contributing Editor

Kai Bird is the director of the Leon Levy Center for Biography. He was an Assistant Editor at The Nation from 1978-82 and later a columnist. In 2006 he won the Pulitzer Prize with Martin J. Sherwin for their biography, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer—the inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming feature, Oppenheimer.

Victor Navasky in 1962.

Victor Navasky: An Avatar of the American Left, 1932–2023 Victor Navasky: An Avatar of the American Left, 1932–2023

Editor of The Nation, 1978–1995; editorial director and publisher, 1995–2005.

Jan 27, 2023 / Editorial / Kai Bird

Ukrainian soldiers adjust flag

Not Even Nuclear War Will Stop the Fighting in Ukraine Not Even Nuclear War Will Stop the Fighting in Ukraine

Kyiv deserves our economic support and military aid, but not American troops or nuclear ambiguity.

Oct 6, 2022 / Editorial / Kai Bird for The Nation

Letters Icon

Letters From the November 29/December 6, 2021, Issue Letters From the November 29/December 6, 2021, Issue

Get Carter… A stream called Drowning Creek…

Nov 16, 2021 / Letters / Kai Bird and Our Readers

Martin J. Sherwin (1937–2021)

Martin J. Sherwin (1937–2021) Martin J. Sherwin (1937–2021)

In memoriam.

Nov 3, 2021 / Editorial / Kai Bird

Jimmy Carter

A Letter to Biden From Jimmy Carter’s Biographer A Letter to Biden From Jimmy Carter’s Biographer

Sometimes doing the right thing means not getting reelected.

Jun 3, 2021 / Editorial / Kai Bird

Fritz Mondale and Decency

Fritz Mondale and Decency Fritz Mondale and Decency

Jimmy Carter thought the vice presidency was a “wasted national asset.” Walter Mondale, who died last week, changed that forever.

Apr 22, 2021 / Kai Bird

The Case for Disengagement in the Middle East

The Case for Disengagement in the Middle East The Case for Disengagement in the Middle East

It is time to walk away and leave the region to its own bad behavior.

Mar 23, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Kai Bird

The Enigma of Bhutan

The Enigma of Bhutan The Enigma of Bhutan

Two decades ago, nearly one-sixth of the population was forcibly expelled. How did King Wangchuck escape any real censure?

Mar 7, 2012 / Feature / Kai Bird

America’s ‘Shah’ in Egypt

America’s ‘Shah’ in Egypt America’s ‘Shah’ in Egypt

How did Hosni Mubarak manage to stay in power for three decades?

Feb 3, 2011 / Editorial / Kai Bird

Next Week in Jerusalem?

Next Week in Jerusalem? Next Week in Jerusalem?

To break through the impasse in the Middle East, Obama must go to Jerusalem.

Jun 9, 2010 / Editorial / Kai Bird

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