Politics Archives

Do Boycotts Work? A Look at Cancel Culture in the US

What’s behind the recent rise in boycotts in the US? Do boycotts work? Is there such a thing as too many boycotts? Boycotts are on the rise in the US, but experts say they’re not leading to the change that Americans participating in them hope to see. Experts say the growing ubiquity of boycotts could reduce their effectiveness in the future, as constant controversy associated with them causes Americans to tune out. Keep reading to learn about the most recent boycotts in the US and whether or not they’re working.

Reform & Diplomacy: A Fresh Look at the Carter Administration

How did Jimmy Carter reshape the role of the vice president? Why was the Department of Energy created? What are the highs and lows of Carter’s foreign policy? Supporters of Jimmy Carter would probably rather talk about his post-presidential years than his time in the White House. However, biographer Jonathan Alter thinks the Carter Administration deserves another look. While mistakes were made, Alter believes Carter’s achievements should be acknowledged. Continue reading for Alter’s assessment of Jimmy Carter’s presidency.

China-US Diplomatic Relations: Normalization & Beyond

Why did the US want China as an ally in the 20th century? After the two nations normalized diplomatic relations, what were the sticking points? In The Avoidable War, Kevin Rudd explains the complex factors contributing to hostility between the US and China. One chapter in this fascinating history is the normalization of relations between the two countries. Read on for an overview of China-US diplomatic relations in the latter part of the 20th century.

The Anti-Free Speech Approach of the Social Justice Movement

Do you feel like social justice advocacy has gone too far? Does it seem like you have to constantly watch what you say? The authors of Cynical Theories explain how this came to be. While past movements for equality used to fight for concrete issues, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay claim that contemporary activists and scholars are more concerned with policing language and culture and shutting down rational debate. Continue reading to learn about the anti-free speech approach of the Social Justice Movement.

California Black Reparations: Overdue or Unnecessary?

What is California’s Black reparations proposal all about? How does it compare to past reparations attempts? What does the public think? A task force in California has approved a proposal seeking reparations for Black residents for generations of harm due to the legacy of slavery. This prompted a lot of different responses including approval, confusion, and some have even called it a “scam.” Here we’ll discuss that proposal within the context of the national conversation around reparations.

The Problems With Communism and Islam in the West

What would happen if communism and Islam took over the West? Are they on the verge of destroying Western society? In Stefan Aarino’s book Hard Times Create Strong Men, he claims that communism and Islam are spreading to the US and that they will destroy American values. This is because modern Christian men are becoming too tolerant and will be pushed aside. Keep reading to learn about the problems with communism and Islam, according to Aarnio.

The Avoidable War: Kevin Rudd’s Take on US-China Relations

Is a war between the US and China inevitable? What’s the history and the future of US-China relations? Hostility between the US and China has been growing for over a decade, eroding the wary but pragmatic relationship of years past. Now, as tensions threaten to escalate, diplomat and politician Kevin Rudd argues that a full-blown military conflict can and should be averted. Continue reading for an overview of The Avoidable War, Kevin Rudd’s analysis of this critical situation.

The Importance of Liberalism: It Just Might Save Society

Does it seem like society is falling apart? What’s the answer to the cultural decay all around us? Social justice scholarship and activism changed from a force for good to a dangerous movement with totalitarian tendencies. That’s the view of Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay, who say that the tenets of liberalism—namely freedom of speech and belief in science—matter more today than they ever did. Read more to learn about the importance of liberalism in society, especially now when so much is at risk.

Is War With China Inevitable? A 3-Part Diplomacy Plan for Peace

What would happen if the US went to war with China? Is war with China inevitable? As tensions between the US and China threaten to escalate, Kevin Rudd argues that a full-blown military conflict can and should be averted. He shares his recommendation for how these two global powers can avoid full-on war—an outcome that would take a huge toll on the US and China as well as global stability. Read more to learn the potential consequences of a war between the US and China and how to avoid it.

Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose & James Lindsay: Overview

What’s the best way to fight inequality in society? Why are some people anti-science? Why didn’t pure deconstructive postmodernism last longer? Over the last few decades, advocates for social justice on the left have become increasingly radical and authoritarian in their beliefs and methods. That’s the view expressed by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay in their book Cynical Theories. Read more to understand their argument and to learn what they promote as an alternative to the Social Justice Movement.