Recently Published

Why We Shouldn’t Think for a Moment that James Madison’s Notes on the Constitutional Convention Were Objective

by Mary Sarah Bilder

Madison’s narrative was always that of James Madison, a member. Continuing for a half century after 1787, he struggled to understand what had happened that summer. Worth knowing this Constitution Day!

Is Donald Trump Another Andrew Jackson?

by Alfred J. Zacher

There are some striking parallels in the support both have received.

Has Labour Let Down British Voters?

by Luke Reader

Conservative policies urgently require debate, but Corbyn’s victory leaves Labour without a credible voice.

Be Like Ike: Give Safe Haven to War Refugees

by William Lambers

Ike ordered food and other assistance for the refugees. Welcome kits were provided. Obama should follow his example.

Did You Know California Requires Professors to Sign a Loyalty Oath?

by Marc Stein

Here’s why that is troubling.

The Forebears of Trumpism

by Leo P. Ribuffo

Where does Donald Trump fit into the bricolage of countersubversives, bigots, and opportunists?

Why Xi Jinping’s Campaign to Suppress Western Ideas Is Bound to Fail

by Peter Zarrow

Western values aren’t Western, and universal values aren’t universal.

It’s Time to Retire Smokey Bear

by Stephen Pyne

Baby Boomers love him. But he needs to go.

So GOP Voters Seem Drawn to Presidential Candidates Who Never Won an Election? They Should Be Careful What They Wish For.

by David O. Stewart

Presidents without electoral experience don’t do so well.

ISIS Is Peddling a Badly Mythologized Version of Hijra

by Rebecca Gould

The term once was used to connote the defensive movement of Muslims to lands where they would be free from persecution. Today, hijra has become a tool of violence and aggression.

Did Jefferson Really Mean It When He Said Liberty Now and Then Requires the Shedding of Blood?

by M. Andrew Holowchak

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure.”

Is Syria Heading towards a Sunni Version of the Islamic Republic of Iran?

by Hakim Khatib

As in Iran, the opposition didn't start out religious, but it's tending that way now. 

The Historian Who Knew About the Holocaust and Said Nothing

by Alexander S. Collie

The shocking story of Carl Jacob Burckhardt’s secret.

How Bad Was FBI Spying on African American Writers? An Interview with William Maxwell

by Robin Lindley

Maxwell reports on his sweeping study of the massive government campaign targeting black American literary figures.

Shoeless Joe Jackson Fans Shouldn’t Be Disappointed He Won’t Be Admitted into the Hall of Fame

by Charles Fountain

He’s better off remaining an outsider. He’s more interesting that way.

Did You Know It Cost $19 to Delete Your Ashley Madison Account?

by Daniel J. Robinson

Infidelity’s lingering social taboo, along with fear of discovery by spouse or family, provided the necessary motivation to pay. This has historical roots.

The Unknown Chinese-American Heroine of September 11, 2001

by Steven Knipp

Many people have heard of Todd Beamer’s courage (“Let’s roll”). But relatively few know about Betty Ong’s.

The Man Who Dared Defy the Boston Brahmins

by Jeffrey L. Amestoy

His name was Richard Henry Dana. It's been 175 years since he wrote "Two Years Before the Mast." This is why it's worth remembering.

Why Clear Thinking About the Big Events of Our Time Becomes More Difficult Around this Time of Year

by Robert Alan Goldberg

Hint: This is when Americans succumb by the millions to conspiracy thinking.

Barack Obama, Whatever His Faults, Shouldn't Be Criticized for Showing Empathy toward Iran

by Walter G. Moss

His critics are laughably wrong to think his ability to empathize with our enemies is a form of weakness.