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Political Theory
In post-apocalyptic fiction, imagined futures turn today’s political and cultural tensions into geography.
History shows that progress often depends on activists at both ends of the spectrum.
In “On Liberalism," Cass Sunstein argues that liberalism can only endure if we reclaim its core commitments and revive its spirit of freedom and hope for the future.
39mins
"One of the ways you can see the Roman Empire is it's the worldwide web of its day."
Arendt thought 20th-century philosophy had become too passive and abstract. She called for "active thinking" that prepares us to live in the real world.
Modern autocracies operate "not like a bloc but rather like an agglomeration of companies," says journalist and historian Anne Applebaum.
It's a problem on both sides of the political divide.
Because of their large and unfriendly neighbor to the east, the Baltics would rather be Scandinavian.
Author A.J. Jacobs explores how voting has changed since the days of the Founding Fathers — for better and for worse.
Throughout the world, traditional political organizations are increasingly seen as dysfunctional. But can democracies live without them?
Autocrats like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin fear democracy, yet go to great lengths to present themselves as democratic leaders.
A rift in thinking about who should control powerful new technologies sent the brothers on diverging paths. For one, the story ended with a mission to bring science to the public.
Long before the birth of Julius Caesar, the Roman Republic appointed all-powerful dictators to protect their state in times of crisis. They were remarkably self-restrained and obedient to the Roman Constitution.
Still, the author's main argument wasn't totally discredited.
The region of Catalonia has been at odds with greater Spain for over 300 years. The prospect of autonomy remains a distant and fading dream.
The state of global democracy is relatively strong — but there are clear signs of recent erosion.
Whether in Russia or China, the secret police are defined by their unquestioning loyalty — as well as by their poor career prospects.
Some of the weirdest characters in Greek mythology were Athenian kings.
There is one House member for every 761,169 people, which isn't exactly representative.
About the project The goal of driving more progress across the world—scientifically, politically, economically, socially, etc—is one shared by many. And yet, debates about the best way to maximize progress […]
14mins
“This is much deeper than just ‘let’s figure out how we can get both sides to get along.’”
Russia has long sought to erase the mere idea of Ukraine. But people like my grandmother, born in Druzhkivka, will not let Russia win.
Despite losing most of his extended family to the guillotine, Tocqueville grew up to become a fervent supporter of democratic revolution.
Universal basic income can secure basic independence for citizens, something which modern states have failed to do, argues author Louise Haagh.