Coverage
Politics
I’ve spent most of my career covering the political forces that shape the world — from elections and foreign policy in the U.S. to international elections, conflicts, and institutions. I’ve also written more than a dozen features on the intersection of culture and politics around the globe.
Isolated Abroad, Israel’s Artists Now Face Political Pressure at Home
Israel is seeing diminished soft power over its treatment of Palestinians as space shrinks for artistic dissent at home.
Superman’s Lesson for Post-Trump U.S. Foreign Policy
Superman has long represented an idealized postwar U.S. foreign policy. The character’s new film may offer a lesson for what comes after its dismantling.
Why the Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Escalated So Quickly
Forces from Thailand and Cambodia clashed in several areas along their shared border today, following nearly two months of escalating tensions.
Albanese’s China Visit Highlights Australia’s Strategic Bind
Australia has become an early test case for how U.S. allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region are navigating the shifting U.S.-China rivalry.
What Elections in Portugal, Romania and Poland Mean for the Far Right
The rise of far-right and illiberal parties is playing a central role in Portugal, Romania and Poland’s elections. But there are key differences between them.
Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest Is Latest Attack on Turkey’s Opposition
Erdogan has returned to his well-worn playbook of repressing the opposition through arrests. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is the latest target.
The Astounding Fall of the Assad Regime in Syria
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime creates enormous uncertainty for Syria. But one thing is certain: a violent, brutal dictator has fallen.
Macron Has a Lot Riding on the Paris Olympics
President Emmanuel Macron wants France to be undisputed leader of Europe. The 2024 Olympics in Paris can help him do that.
The Oscars’ Most Political Category Needs a Rethink
The Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars is highly politicized, often unfair and doing a poor job fulfilling its purpose.
Western Audiences Have Been Viewing Israel Through a Distorted Lens
Understanding Israeli views of the conflict with Palestinians based only on exported culture led the West astray.
Good Broadway Musicals Make for Bad Global South History
The musicals “Here Lies Love” and “Evita” both try to engage with Global South political histories—emphasis on “try.”
Climate Change Is Eroding the Foundations of Italy’s Global Brand
Italy’s global brand and soft power is based on its cuisine and tourism, both of which are threatened by climate change.
For the Women’s World Cup, Politics Is a Part of the Brand
In spite of FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s wishes, politics and gender equality are inseparable from sports at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Netflix’s ‘The Diplomat’ Educates as It Entertains. That’s a Problem
The popular new Netflix political drama “The Diplomat” educates as much as it entertains, with unintended consequences.
Lula Is Repairing the Damage From Bolsonaro’s War on Culture, Too
After four years of demonization by Bolsonaro and Brazil’s far right, the arts and culture are at the center of Lula’s agenda.
Bollywood Is Fueling Modi’s Hindu-Nationalist Agenda
India’s Bollywood film industry is increasingly producing films that appeal to Modi’s Hindu nationalist ideology.
The Qatar World Cup Marks the End of an Era for Global Sporting Events
The scrutiny over Qatar’s human rights record has led FIFA and the IOC to course-correct host selections for the World Cup and Olympics.
The Democrats Need to Start Talking About Police Reform Differently
In the 2021 elections, four progressives in two blue cities lost to opponents who made policing a central issue. Consider it a warning.
Why the Mayor Pete Documentary Falls Short
The film wanted to find a deeper storyline to Buttigieg’s 2020 campaign. Unfortunately, there wasn’t one there.
In the Virginia Governor’s Race, a Warning for Democrats
GOP nominee Glenn Youngkin has disassociated himself from Trump without alienating the former president’s core supporters. It may offer Republicans a blueprint for success.