Nation Building

A row of police stands across a street. A car in front of them is on fire.

The Post-Future Has Arrived in Argentina—and It Looks Remarkably Like the Past The Post-Future Has Arrived in Argentina—and It Looks Remarkably Like the Past

Javier Milei’s right-wing government is racking up new debt with the IMF. It’s part of a vicious cycle the country seems unable to break.

May 9, 2025 / Jacob Sugarman

An image of President Donald Trump looms over crowds of supporters before his speech from the Ellipse at the White House on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Trump’s Deranged Land Grabs Would Make Sense to Big Brother Trump’s Deranged Land Grabs Would Make Sense to Big Brother

His desire for ultimate continental hegemony is leading us on a path eerily reminiscent of 1984.

Apr 17, 2025 / Alfred McCoy

The leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Shara, waits to greet a Ukrainian delegation ahead of a meeting to help strengthen ties between the two countries in December 2024 in Damascus, Syria.

Syria’s New Rulers Get a Makeover Syria’s New Rulers Get a Makeover

The country’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, has donned a suit, trimmed his beard, and dropped his nom de guerre. But Syrians are still afraid.

Apr 7, 2025 / Charles Glass

South African farmer Tewie Wessels addresses a group of white South Africans supporting US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk during a demonstration in Pretoria, on February 15, 2025.

Why Trump Is Threatened by South Africa Why Trump Is Threatened by South Africa

The country’s Constitution gives its citizens more than a right to the pursuit of happiness. But attempts to redeem that commitment to justice have enraged American reactionaries....

Mar 14, 2025 / Susan Neiman

Elon Musk at the first Trump cabinet meeting.

The Cossacks Work for the Czar—and Musk Works for Trump The Cossacks Work for the Czar—and Musk Works for Trump

The president’s narcissistic management style is at the root of cabinet infighting.

Mar 10, 2025 / Jeet Heer

Donald Trump stepping out onto a stage while holding a red MAGA hat.

Pay Less Attention to That Man in Front of the Curtain Pay Less Attention to That Man in Front of the Curtain

Musk’s machinations and Trump’s daily outrages are meant to be mesmerizing—and paralyzing. But there are plenty of ways to fight back effectively—starting with not panicking.

Feb 13, 2025 / Zephyr Teachout

Still leaning left?: Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of National Intelligence, testifies during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Senate Democrats Are Attacking Tulsi Gabbard for the Wrong Reasons Senate Democrats Are Attacking Tulsi Gabbard for the Wrong Reasons

Preferring to defend spy agencies and line up behind the hawkish consensus, the bipartisan elite ignores the director of national intelligence nominee’s rampant Islamophobia.

Jan 31, 2025 / Jeet Heer

Let’s call the whole thing off: Justin Trudeau shaking hands with Donald Trump at a NATO summit in London to mark the alliance's 70th anniversary in December 2019.

Justin Trudeau’s Fecklessness Made Him an Easy Target for MAGA Manifest Destiny Justin Trudeau’s Fecklessness Made Him an Easy Target for MAGA Manifest Destiny

The United States probably won’t annex Canada. But Trump’s imperial dreams are already destabilizing the world.

Jan 10, 2025 / Jeet Heer

An effigy of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during a protest outside the National Assembly in Seoul following the second martial law impeachment vote on December 14, 2024.

South Korea's Autumn of the Patriarchy South Korea's Autumn of the Patriarchy

President Yoon Suk-yeol is the first of his country's leaders eager to be a stooge of both Washington and Tokyo. His impeachment is testimony to the strength of Korean democracy.

Dec 19, 2024 / Bruce Cumings

Good Neighbor Policy: Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro chat during an exposition game between the Cuban national team and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Havana on March 22, 2016.

Biden’s Legacy on Cuba Biden’s Legacy on Cuba

On the 10th anniversary of Obama’s opening, the outgoing president should take immediate action because it is good for the US, good for the Cuban people—and the right thing to do....

Dec 17, 2024 / Peter Kornbluh

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