Essays

The Assassin's Veto

What the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk tells us about the dangers facing the American Republic.

Sep 10 •

Unbundle the University

A modest proposal.

Sep 4 •

The Cracks in China’s Rise

The same strengths that have powered China’s remarkable rise also explain its greatest weaknesses.

Aug 21 •

How We Got the Internet All Wrong

It was supposed to connect us to people near and far. Instead, it turned us into tribalist, neurotic homebodies.

Aug 14 •

The Case for China’s Strength

Any attempt to understand China, and the challenge it poses to Western values, must start with an honest enumeration of its strengths.

Aug 8 •

The Peculiar Persistence of the AI Denialists

The history of the world will be split into a pre-AI and a post-AI era. Too many people are still in denial.

Jul 31 •

The Singer Who Skewered America

So long, Tom Lehrer.

Jul 28 •

The Prevention of Speech

Too many are still willing to advocate censorship in the name of fighting misinformation.

Jul 24 •

Why Trump Hates Europe

The administration’s Europhobia has its roots in spurned love.

Jul 17 •

The America of Yesterday

Reflections on my adoptive home this Fourth of July.

Jul 4 •

18 Observations About Learning Chinese

Tones, taxi drivers, and the joy of feeling stupid.

Jun 27 •

Is America Headed Towards Dictatorship?

Ten years ago, Trump rode down the golden escalator. Here’s my attempt to predict where that ride will end.

Jun 16 •

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