America stands at a critical turning point in its history, where the gathering storm clouds of four distinct crises have formed and are converging to threaten the nation. A looming economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts in America’s great power rivalry with China, Iran and Russia, and rising social unrest within its own borders have combined into a potentially severe stormwall of risk for the United States. Continue Reading
In addition to introducing a massive policy response to the COVID-19 crisis, the US Federal Reserve this year has announced a fundamental change in its overall strategy. Yet in doing so, it has unnecessarily introduced more uncertainty into the policy mix, setting a bad example for the world’s other major central banks. Continue Reading
Considering the economy as machine, the market as automaton, and humans as robots is an ontological mistake, and a very expensive one at that. Continue Reading
Far from bolstering multilateralism, COVID-19 has revealed a world of nation-states locked into a destructive zero-sum contest. The United Nations’ upcoming 75th anniversary thus risks being remembered as the moment when a lethal virus destroyed the very idea of our common humanity. Continue Reading
The recent weakening of the US dollar can be explained by near-term market forces rather than any epochal shift. Continue Reading
Rather than obsess over tax rates, investors should consider more broadly how economic, policy and political factors will shape the market outlook in the years ahead. Continue Reading
While much of the world remains distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey is trying to reshape its geopolitical neighborhood, and Lebanon is descending into another domestic crisis. The situation is ripe for another migration crisis, for which European countries are woefully unprepared. Continue Reading
In recent years, the world has made considerable progress in the fight against cholera. But, with climate change, urbanization, and population growth creating an ideal breeding ground for the disease, stronger action is urgently needed to bring eradication within reach. Continue Reading
A Marvel Tribute to Chadwick Boseman Continue Reading
There were no special effects, no crowds, no band, no balloons. But, none of this was needed. As Joe Biden looked at a blank camera, with a lined face worn by almost eight decades of triumph and tragedy, I saw a man speaking to a country that could now know it was understood. Continue Reading
The chances of a Sino-American cold war are far higher today than they were just months ago. Even worse, the chances of an actual war, resulting from an incident involving the countries’ militaries, are also greater. Continue Reading
When the United Nations celebrates its 75th anniversary this September, the US will still be misgoverned by a transactional president who has no interest in global rules. But if that rules out a rebirth of global multilateralism this fall, things could look very different next spring. Continue Reading
In a special Last Word, Morgan Freeman reads the words of John Lewis’ final essay, which he requested be published in the New York Times on the day of his funeral: “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation.” Continue Reading
Reports that the coronavirus could be transmitted by handling cash has given people another reason to steer clear of banknotes. Although untrue, the damage has been done, and a recent survey found that 75% of respondents expect to use cash less in the future. Continue Reading
Who dominates global trade? It is well recognized that China has become the world’s largest trading nation. Continue Reading
The pandemic should be bringing nations together in the face of our common threat. Instead we see nationalism and borders closing. So here is an inspiring reminder that 250 miles above Earth, we are all as one. Continue Reading
With hopes of a sharp rebound from the pandemic-induced recession quickly fading, policymakers should pause and take stock of what it will take to achieve a sustained recovery. Continue Reading
As countries emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic over the coming year, world leaders will face a defining moment. By ramping up investments in disaster preparedness, they can shape their legacies and set humanity on a safer course for the next decade and beyond. Continue Reading
The World Trade Organization has an irreplaceable role to play in transforming countries’ economic prospects and the lives of people around the world. Although the COVID-19 crisis has brought the organization’s deteriorating health into sharp focus, its further decline is not inevitable. Continue Reading
America finds itself in the grips of two epidemics, each of which has exposed deep inequalities across races and levels of educational attainment. Between rising “deaths of despair” among working-class whites and higher COVID-19 mortality rates among African-Americans, the stunning secular decline in US life expectancy will continue. Continue Reading
Three decades of efforts to broaden the definition of “national security” have largely failed, and it is time to try a new approach. Thinking instead in terms of global security would expand policy discussions beyond national governments and lead to a stronger emphasis on making societies more resilient. Continue Reading
As a global problem that will remain a threat everywhere as long as it is still present anywhere, the novel coronavirus demands a collective and collaborative response. With a new COVID-19 Technology Access Pool to share data and intellectual property, all countries and companies now have a chance to become a part of the solution. Continue Reading
At a time when guidance and inspiration from the White House is missing, it is helpful to remind ourselves of what real American moral leadership looks like. Continue Reading
Humankind has never had a more urgent task than creating broad immunity for coronavirus. Realistically, if we’re going to return to normal, we need to develop a safe, effective vaccine—and we need to do it faster than we’ve ever developed a vaccine before. Continue Reading
Mental health is a huge problem in the United States. About one-fifth of all Americans grapple with psychological disorders, and only half of them get treatment. Continue Reading
Are you feeling cooped up, stir-crazy? No wonder – even after 400 generations in villages and cities, we are still nomadic wanderers at heart. Here is a brilliant short-film to inspire you for the days when we can journey again. Continue Reading
Stay-at-home orders are “fascist” and “not democratic.” At least, that’s according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Continue Reading
Anyone speculating on what the world will look like when we emerge from Covid- 19 lockdown, would do well to heed the famous quip about prediction being difficult, especially about the future. Continue Reading
We step out of our homes today, onto the street and into our surroundings, just as we used to. But the space we considered outdoors has a different set of rules of engagement. Continue Reading
The tectonic shocks of a world now defined by COVID-19 will settle over time, but the landscape of our lives may never look the same. Continue Reading