“Bootstrapped” author Alissa Quart on the cruelty of the stories we tell about how grit and hard work are the route to success.

Instead of taxing the wealthiest, states fund important services through encouraging gambling habits. And instead of meaningful expectations for a better life, many people just have lotto tickets.

Even Trump allies are alleging ‘selective prosecution’ rather than defending his actual conduct. The question, as always, is: will it matter?

Janet Biehl discusses the radical practice of decentralized democracy among the Kurds of Rojava.

From COVID to wildfires to vehicle smog, the air we breathe is dangerous, and we need a major public health campaign to educate people and provide masks—along with structural changes to address root causes.

It’s increasingly difficult to find and digest reliable and useful information about the world. Here at Current Affairs, we’re trying to fix that. Sign up for our brand new news briefing.

Why shouldn’t teenagers get to democratically decide on matters of justice? Teen courts are a fascinating and empowering experiment in alternatives to harsh punishment.

From ‘your package has been delivered’ to ‘your order has been shipped,’ passive language upholds the fantasy of economic automation.