The Dictatorship of the Engineer
The right claims to loathe technocracy—but it has empowered Elon Musk to remake the government.
Ideas
How Trump Lost His Trade War
When the U.S. breaks its treaties, only China wins.
Trump and Musk Are Destroying the Basics of a Healthy Democracy
An apolitical bureaucracy run by public servants who respect the law is one of the greatest achievements a society can attain—and these two men have no respect for it.
What’s Up With All the Sex Parties?
“What we do, you can’t do onstage at Lincoln Center.”
The Illegal Drug at Every Corner Store
Nitrous oxide is widely available as long as everyone pretends it’s being used for whipped cream. An industry has arisen to exploit that loophole.
The Race-Blind College-Admissions Era Is Off to a Weird Start
After the fall of affirmative action, things have not gone the way anyone expected.
America’s ‘Marriage Material’ Shortage
Adults are significantly less likely to be married or to live with a partner than they used to be.
Trump’s Campaign to Dismantle the Government
The president is pursuing the long-standing conservative goal of neutralizing the federal bureaucracy.
The Price America Will Pay for Trump’s Tariffs
Alienating allies and partners that the U.S. desperately needs means that “America First” will be “America Alone.”
Shamed Onto Death Row
Sexism was used to convict Brenda Andrew. Will that fact save her life now?