Books and Ideas

Harvard University

Trumpism Poses the Most Dire Threat to Academic Freedom in Recent Memory Trumpism Poses the Most Dire Threat to Academic Freedom in Recent Memory

A shadowy new Professor Watchlist has revived the McCarthyite hysteria of the 1950s. We must fight back.

Dec 13, 2016 / Erik Loomis

Which Way Does the Arc of Obama’s Moral Universe Bend?

Which Way Does the Arc of Obama’s Moral Universe Bend? Which Way Does the Arc of Obama’s Moral Universe Bend?

Liberals once thought Obama would transcend race—but even his moderate views ended up provoking a whitelash.

Dec 13, 2016 / Feature / Joan Walsh

Was Barack Obama a Transformational President?

Was Barack Obama a Transformational President? Was Barack Obama a Transformational President?

Despite his bold promises, the president put more energy into rescuing, rather than changing, the old system.

Dec 9, 2016 / Feature / Robert L. Borosage

Donald Trump North Carolina

Taiwan Calling Taiwan Calling

“President-Elect’s Phone Chat Raises Fears of New Tensions and a Bolder China.” —New York Times subhead His ignorance is showing. Again, his cover’s blown. It isn’t just the tweeti…

Dec 6, 2016 / Column / Calvin Trillin

US Flag Post-Hurricane Irene

The View From 2050: Donald Trump Changed Everything The View From 2050: Donald Trump Changed Everything

If only this were science fiction.

Dec 6, 2016 / John Feffer

The Strange Career of American Exceptionalism

The Strange Career of American Exceptionalism The Strange Career of American Exceptionalism

…and Barack Obama’s curious role as its most ardent recent champion and prominent victim.

Dec 6, 2016 / Feature / Greg Grandin

One Flew Over Bellevue

One Flew Over Bellevue One Flew Over Bellevue

As little as David Oshinsky might care to admit it, the idea that Bellevue is a place for “crazies” has stuck in our cultural consciousness.

Dec 3, 2016 / Nathan Smith

The Second Coming of MTV News

The Second Coming of MTV News The Second Coming of MTV News

Its rebirth gives insights into twin trends across the media landscape: prestige and diversity.

Dec 2, 2016 / Wei Tchou

Letters Icon

Letters From the December 19-26, 2016, Issue Letters From the December 19-26, 2016, Issue

Return of the repressed… Book therapy… Happily enough ever after… Dylan revisited…
 Bentham’s revenge…

Dec 1, 2016 / Our Readers and Samuel Moyn

Bruce Springsteen’s Redemption Song

Bruce Springsteen’s Redemption Song Bruce Springsteen’s Redemption Song

The musician delivers a flawed but exquisitely moving and detailed new memoir.

Dec 1, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

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