The tragedy of the American military, the most powerful conservative in America, 5,200 days in space, balancing Iran and Israel, fiction by George Singleton, and more
The American public and its political leadership will do anything for the military except take it seriously. The result is a chickenhawk nation in which careless spending and strategic folly combine to lure America into endless wars it can’t win.
The rifle that today's infantry uses is little changed since the 1960s—and it is badly flawed. Military lives depend on these cheap composites of metal and plastic. So why can't the richest country in the world give its soldiers better ones?
A veteran of the Cold War–era draft argues that once again sharing the burden of defending the country would produce better foreign policy—and better Americans.
An exploration of life aboard the International Space Station, and the surprising reasons the mission is still worthwhile
Erick Erickson built his career on stoking populist rage. But now the man who steers the Tea Party says conservative anger has grown toxic and self-defeating.
Hard-working artisan, solitary genius, credentialed professional—the image of the artist has changed radically over the centuries. What if the latest model to emerge means the end of art as we have known it?
Father's Day 1972—an oddball quest. A short story
An American-Iranian détente is in both countries’ interest—but it needn’t upset our special relationship with Israel.
Michael Kimmel’s quest to turn college boys into gentlemen—and improve sex on campus
Instead of leaving the office early, elite Muscovites are taking their offices on the road.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Why we choose partners who share our traits
What they're gonna do when they come for you
Year-round warmth is a modern luxury. Some scientists believe it is changing human metabolism.
Why English has 1,750 slang words for the simple act of sexual intercourse
The making of Manhattan’s first micro-apartments
Americans love public transportation. So why don’t they use it?
A very short book excerpt
The hidden-camera show What Would You Do? reveals the persistence of American decency.
A new book’s harsh verdict: Ben Bernanke, the Depression expert, failed to learn from some key history lessons.
What Mary Anne and Benjamin Disraeli can tell us about the Clintons
Revisiting Dostoyevsky’s St. Petersburg haunts in the Putin era
President Obama has done next to nothing to build confidence in government.
Responses and reverberations
What is the greatest upset in history?
