Writing a biography of someone like General Augusto Pinochet is fraught with potential pitfalls. Does it e an exercise in whitewashing someone whose regime oversaw a brutal repression which included the “disappearing” of approximately 2,228 people? Or does a biographer unquestionably accept the left’s narrative about Pinochet, one which downplays the abyss to which the much-romanticized Marxist, Salvador Allende, led Chile during his short presidency? In a new well-researched biography, Augusto Pinochet (2020), the French journalist Michel Faure navigates these...

Mike Solana, the vice president of the Founders Fund, has written pelling account of the social consequences of the dominance of social media as a means munication in this digital age titled, “JUMP.” The title is based on a schoolyard legend from his youth: “Back in elementary school a ‘scientific theory’ hit the playground that blew my mind: [I]f every person in China jumped at the same time, their impact would knock our planet off its axis and the world...

In one of the most significant American political developments in some time, over the past five years many conservatives have embraced nationalism. This shift has not only reset the contours of debate, but it has directly influenced economic and foreign policy. Historically, American nationalism e in many flavors. “New Nationalism,” which former President Teddy Roosevelt espoused in 1912, grounded itself in progressive policies that were to be implemented by federal agencies. In other instances, American national identity has been distinguished...

In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death and the subsequent swell of protests, we are surrounded by resounding cries for justice—both in this particular case and across the issues of over-policing, over-criminalization, and systemic racism. Set within our polarized political climate, such conversations quickly devolve into narrow ideological debates over particular policy prescriptions. But as valid and valuable as many of those discussions may be, we should also remember that seeking justice ought to be personal, beginning with a...

George Floyd was laid to rest in a private burial ceremony earlier this week in Houston, following a massive funeral at the Fountain of Praise Church. The soul-searching that followed his tragic death has made the nation restless. Many police departments throughout the United States have already begun instituting reforms in an effort to prevent further tragic deaths and restore public trust, which is essential for police to munities in keeping the peace. The widespread failure of our institutions to...

In 18th century France, the most-read book after the Bible was a work on political philosophy written by the Roman Catholic archbishop François Fénelon. Unfortunately, Fénelon’s writings on economics, politics, and theology have largely been forgotten, as only a fraction of his work has been translated into English. Fénelon was an important voice in France; during the Enlightenment, he fought for the reform of France’s political and economic institutions. His works are a critical resource for those interested in economics,...

Orthodox Christians cannot participate in riots, revolutionary movements, or violent protests in the name of “justice,” according to a statement from an archbishop. Instead, they should promote “civil evolution” through mitment to personal virtue—financed by private philanthropy and church charity for the poor. The appeal came after nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd turned violent, leading to widespread looting, arson, and the murder of at least 10 people, including several police officers. “Now we are experiencing great turmoil...

As riots broke out nationwide over the death of George Floyd, his family valiantly tried to reason with the mob. Once again, the authorities should have listened to Floyd’s pleas. “If his own family and blood are trying to deal with it and be positive about it, and go another route to seek justice, then why are you out here tearing up munity?” asked Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s younger brother. “Because when you’re finished and turn around and want to...

When Hong Kong was released from British rule and handed over to China in 1997, the United Kingdom and Beijing struck a deal that guaranteed the freedom of Hong Kong’s citizens; the territory was to remain free from mainland China’s authority for fifty years. This arrangement is often referred to as “one country, two systems.” Hong Kong established its own governmental and economic systems and flourished, growing into one of the most prosperous regions in the world and ing a...

In his observations about 19th-century America, Alexis de Tocqueville pointed to religion as the first of the country’s political institutions—sweeping in its influence on our customs and powerful in its propensity to preempt and prevent tyranny. Yet today, American religiosity is in decline. Weekly church attendance is trending downward, as is self-identification with a formal religion, denomination or belief system. The rise of the “nones” is increasing in speed and expanding in influence, replacing religious-cultural paradigms of old with a...