Silvio Berlusconi rose when political parties were weakened and carried on through a cascade of scandals. Leaders like Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro have had similar trajectories.
Author: AMANDA TAUB
A Surprising Supreme Court Decision’s History With the American South
To understand the significance of this week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling, books about the Deep South’s changes in the 20th century are critical to read.
When Politics Saves Lives: a Good-News Story
The decision to fund medications to treat H.I.V.-AIDS patients in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean flew in the face of expert advice. But the U.S. did it anyway.
Analyzing Shiv’s Decision on ‘Succession’ With a Feminist Text
Still grappling with the finale of the hit HBO series? An article by a feminist theorist could be surprisingly helpful with understanding the deals that patriarchal systems offer women.
Analyzing Shiv’s Decision on ‘Succession’ With a Feminist Text
Still grappling with the finale of the hit HBO series? An article by a feminist theorist could be surprisingly helpful with understanding the deals that patriarchal systems offer women.
Why the Leaders of Turkey and Thailand Have an Interest in Elections
Turkey and Thailand held two huge elections this week, both with uncertain outcomes. Each shows some of the benefits that elections can hold for leaders who have amassed power with the tools of the state.
What I’m Reading: Summer-Snobs Edition
Tales of status, those who have it and those who want it, are on my list.
The British Monarchy’s Surprising Benefit
The coronation of King Charles III is a good time to look at what is useful about the royal family.
A South Korean Horror Story, Long Suppressed
The story of a brutal sex trade built for American soldiers shows how women have been exploited in service of political and economic goals.
What I’m Reading: Wives and Muses Edition
A look at women who inspired great art and literature and what might have been.