Too damn high
Why does everything in the U.S. seem so expensive? Peter Ganong on the pandemic, a broken construction sector, and a steep decline in American social mobility.
Future blues
Why has Japan’s longtime ruling party lost its majority? Tobias S. Harris on political scandals, economic struggles, and a deep loss of public confidence in the country’s institutions.
Racecraft
What does it mean that more non-white Americans voted for Donald Trump in this year’s U.S. presidential election than in the previous two? Adolph Reed on the limits of identity politics.
Mind the gap
Why are global greenhouse-gas emissions still rising? Rachel Cleetus on how the use of fossil fuels keeps growing—and outpacing renewable energy.
In theaters now
Why are studios releasing so few original new films? Andrew deWaard on how movie franchises have conquered Hollywood.
This way comes
Can Europe defend itself? John R. Deni on troop shortages, mismatched equipment, and the cost of security in a time of war.
Note: Stuck in a moment
Stuck in a moment. Since the 1980s, China’s economy has grown more than any other in the world—but
Can’t get out of it
What’s wrong with China’s economy? Victor Shih on the major reckoning facing the government in Beijing.
Note: A question for the chatbot
A question for the chatbot. I expect you remember first hearing about ChatGPT-3 in late 2022. You might also
The big spend
What’s behind the growing skepticism about AI? Daron Acemoglu on excesses of enthusiasm, returns on investment, and the distinctive nature of human reasoning.
