Politics Archives

The World Economic Forum 2024: Takeaways & Critiques

What was discussed at the World Economic Forum 2024? What are the biggest critiques around the gathering of elites? In January, global leaders in the public and private sectors converged at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland to talk about issues like the economy, geopolitical conflicts, and the environment. While it’s brought about some meaningful change, its participants are often skittish around sensitive topics. Here’s a background on what Davos is and this year’s key takeaways.

The Rise of the Religious Right in America (Kristin Du Mez)

The sun beaming on the Christian cross and the American flag.

How are the election and presidency of Ronald Reagan connected to American Christianity? Who popularized the religious right? In Jesus and John Wayne, history and gender studies professor Kristin Du Mez traces the link between politics and evangelical Christianity in America. She lays out the roots of the religious right and how it entered the mainstream in the 1980s. Continue reading to learn about the rise of the religious right in America.

Trump and Christianity: Why Did Evangelicals Elect Him?

What’s the relationship between Donald Trump and Christianity—especially evangelicalism? Why do so many Christians endorse him? In Jesus and John Wayne, Kristin Du Mez traces the development of evangelicals’ conception of masculinity since the 1900s, outlining how the genteel masculinity of Victorian-era Christianity transformed into the militaristic masculinity that led evangelicals to embrace Trump wholeheartedly. Read more to get Du Mez’s take on the intriguing link between Donald Trump and Christianity.

What Are Elon Musk’s Political Beliefs? Breaking Them Down

What are Elon Musk’s political beliefs? Why does Musk criticize “woke culture”? On the Lex Fridman Podcast, Elon Musk discusses his views on modern politics and the current war between Ukraine and Russia. He also clarifies his political identity, citing both conservative and liberal views as inspiration. Continue reading to learn more about Musk’s views on important political topics in the world.

NPR: Netanyahu Sticks to Gaza Mission Amid Harsh Realities

What does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say about Israel’s presence in Gaza? What are the consequences for Gaza’s civilian population as a result of the Israeli military activities? On NPR, Netanyahu discussed his commitment to Israel’s mission in Gaza. The NPR News Now episode also explored the impacts of Israel’s persistent military presence in Gaza and the critical consequences for Gaza’s civilian population, with high casualty counts and resource limitations adding to their plight. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.

APEC Meeting 2023: Counterbalancing China (NPR News Now)

A scale balancing United States and Vietnam flag

Where did the APEC meeting (2023) take place? What national leaders did President Biden meet with? What signal might this send to China? President Biden’s recent meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in San Francisco holds significant implications for US-Mexico relations. The meeting coincided with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.

Christianity in the 21st Century: A Gender-Based Critique

A congregation in a Christian church building.

What impact did the 9/11 attacks have on Christianity in America? Why did many Christians support the election of Donald Trump? In the 1990s, American evangelical Christianity shifted toward a less militant concept of masculinity. But, this was short-lived. Kristin Du Mez claims that 9/11 caused an immediate return to the militaristic masculinity of decades past, ultimately culminating in the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Read more for Du Mez’s perspective of American evangelical Christianity in the 21st century.

Jesus and John Wayne: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

A young man reading a book in a wheat field

Why was Donald Trump voted into the presidency? Does it have anything to do with a historical shift in Christianity? Following the 2016 US presidential election, pundits argued that the 81% of evangelical Christians who voted for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton viewed him as the lesser of two evils. But, according to historian Kristin Du Mez, this explanation is misguided. Continue reading for our Jesus and John Wayne book overview.

Why Did Settlers Come to America? The Colonial Mindset

A wooden ship with sails representing the Mayflower

Why did settlers come to America? Where did the colonial mindset come from? Settlers came to America because they felt superior to Native Americans and wanted to secure their wealth for themselves. If you look at where European settlers came from, you can see how racism and poverty paired together to feed colonization. Keep reading for more on the reasons behind European colonization.

The IRS Is Now Using AI to Assist Audits & More

How will AI boost the IRS’s scrutiny of various taxpayer groups? What benefits and hurdles might taxpayers encounter as the IRS ramps up the use of AI? The IRS is using artificial intelligence to improve tax compliance and customer service this tax season. New AI-powered systems aim to curb tax evasion, improve audit precision, and help close a $688 billion tax gap. Here’s how the IRS is using AI and what the benefits and challenges are.