After a year of commentators lamenting the extent to which Donald Trump had emboldened the world’s autocrats, the political tables may have begun to turn. Not only is Trump deeply unpopular globally, but any government that gets into bed with him is effectively offering proof of its own corruption.
argues that governments’ dealings with a brazenly corrupt US administration are becoming a major liability.
While the global economy generates unprecedented wealth for plutocrats like Elon Musk, it is, by design, highly unequal, dangerously over-indebted, prone to recurring financial crises, and ecologically disastrous. In such a context, radical reforms will be needed, beginning with the rejection of money as a commodity.
shows that the economic and financial systems underpinning oligarchy were built on a flawed theory of money.
Much analysis of China focuses on its rivalry with the United States, as if the world was confronting a conventional contest between great powers. But since China is not an ordinary rising power, recognizing the totalitarian nature of its political system is essential to understanding its conduct at home and abroad.
explains how the reform era reshaped the country while leaving its core institutions largely intact.
A collection of PS commentaries examining how a few individuals amassed unprecedented wealth—and how they are using it to dismantle democracy. Featuring insights from Cristina Enache, Brooke Harrington, James Livingston, Michael Madowitz, Ann Pettifor, Matt Simonton, and Quinn Slobodian.
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Aug 17, 2026 Willem H. Buiter & Anne C. Sibert show that the economic benefits of full EU membership would almost certainly outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Aug 17, 2026 Yi Fuxian notes that the former premier oversaw two major reforms that have had potentially dire consequences.
Aug 17, 2026 Osama Faqeeha & Bradley Hiller see five signs that national governments and the global community are getting serious about land degradation.
Aug 17, 2026 Jan-Werner Mueller argues that governments’ dealings with a brazenly corrupt US administration are becoming a major liability.
Aug 17, 2026 Marina Zucker-Marques proposes a simple way for the International Monetary Fund to deliver the help the poorest countries need.
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Much analysis of China focuses on its rivalry with the United States, as if the world was confronting a conventional contest between great powers. But since China is not an ordinary rising power, recognizing the totalitarian nature of its political system is essential to understanding its conduct at home and abroad.
explains how the reform era reshaped the country while leaving its core institutions largely intact.While the global economy generates unprecedented wealth for plutocrats like Elon Musk, it is, by design, highly unequal, dangerously over-indebted, prone to recurring financial crises, and ecologically disastrous. In such a context, radical reforms will be needed, beginning with the rejection of money as a commodity.
shows that the economic and financial systems underpinning oligarchy were built on a flawed theory of money.
For all the hype surrounding frontier models, AI’s biggest constraints are increasingly physical. While scientific breakthroughs still matter, countries that can build the infrastructure needed to power the AI economy will have the the decisive advantage.
explain why technological leadership depends as much on factories and power grids as on algorithms.
Thomas Jefferson’s immortal words in the Declaration of Independence inaugurated an “experiment” in self-government that continues to this day. Although the results have never been perfect, few other documents have had as profound and as enduring an influence on the modern world.
