First Principles: The Role of Government

Government, its scope and role, was at the center of the recent election campaign, and voters unequivocally said “enough.” But progressives aren’t going to give up on government because of one election. A strong role for the federal government as incubator, nurturer, and watchdog is central to the progressive vision of society.

America 2021: Jobs & the Economy

In 2021, we will still bear scars from the Great Recession. But will America be a mighty economy again? What key investments are needed to ensure our growth and prosperity? Five experts take the long view.

The 10 Percent Solution

How progressives can stop worrying and love a value-added tax.

The Science Wars Redux

Fifteen years after the Sokal Hoax, attacks on “objective knowledge” that were once the province of the left have been taken up by the right.

 

Utopia Lost

Human rights as utopian politics may have failed us, but human rights as catastrophe prevention is the least we must insist on.

After Hegemony

America is no longer the world’s only pivotal power. Americans are adjusting—but can their leaders?

The Philosopher President

Two years into Barack Obama’s presidency, we can’t doubt his intelligence, but we can wonder whether there are more important qualities.

Apocalypse Then, and Now

Two historians trace our economic mess and growing inequality to that dismal decade—the 1970s

God and Country

Despite increasing religious polarization, there is surprisingly little religious hostility in America. So why doesn’t it feel that way?

 

Editor’s Note

Michael Tomasky introduces Issue #19.

Amend and Improve, 2016

The key to improving health-care reform lies outside Washington. A response to Jacob S. Hacker.

Letters to the Editor

Letters from our readers

Moral Witness Through Comedy

Imagining the hastening of the day when Arab Americans are just another unsuspected and unsurprising part of American culture.