The Linguistic Anatomy of a Political Firestorm
The prime minister of Australia has a background in marketing, but with the bush fire crisis, his manipulation of language is only getting him so far.
Iran in the Trump Era
President Trump's decision to order the assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani has backfired in spectacular fashion. Why?
What Does It Take to Survive Impeachment?
A look at impeachment proceedings in foreign nations sheds light on when a sitting president is likely to remain in office.
Who Survives a Political Scandal?
For a public figure, a scandal is a predictable hazard of the trade. What's less predictable, however, is who survives one.
Lawrence Lessig: How to Repair Our Democracy
Law professor and one-time presidential hopeful Lawrence Lessig on campaign finance, gerrymandering, and the electoral college.
The Lavender Scare
In 1950, the U.S. State Department fired 91 employees because they were homosexual or suspected of being homosexual.
The Origins of the Police
Sir Robert Peel is popularly credited with the formation of the first modern municipal police force. But the Thames River Police did it first.
Why Do Governments Target Protest Masks?
The galvanizing power of the ideology behind a protest mask is a palpable thing.
Is the “Resource Curse” a Myth?
Countries like Liberia and Chad have a lot of oil, and yet little of their wealth has translated into public welfare. Some blame the "resource curse."