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Laboratories of Authoritarianism

Laboratories of Authoritarianism

Why does open authoritarianism feel like a relief to some people? If you are going to be told what to do and can’t offer feedback that someone actually listens to, maybe it is better not to even have the pretense of democracy. Open authoritarianism is, of course, what Trump offers.

The Decline of the American Empire — with Robert Kaplan and Faisal Al Yafai

The Decline of the American Empire — with Robert Kaplan and Faisal Al Yafai

Journalist and author Robert Kaplan joins New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai on The Lede for a discussion on realism, the Iraq War and the causes behind the decline of the American empire.

Orkney, the Surprising Center of Neolithic Britain

Orkney, the Surprising Center of Neolithic Britain

Thousands of years ago, Orkney was at the heart of Neolithic northern Europe — its landmark buildings welcoming vast numbers of people. Now the main archaeological site on the island has been reburied after 20 years of astonishing research, just as it’s revealed that the Altar Stone of Stonehenge came from nearby.

In Sri Lanka, the Army Is Engaging in a New War on Drugs

In Sri Lanka, the Army Is Engaging in a New War on Drugs

Extrajudicial executions, police raids on low-income neighborhoods, media demonization of addicts and court-mandated rehabilitation at army-run centers have raised concerns about the criminalization of substance abuse in Sri Lanka.

Iraq Offers Lessons and Warnings for a New Syria

Iraq Offers Lessons and Warnings for a New Syria

The sudden collapse of the Assad regime marks a momentous opportunity for Syrians to build an inclusive, stable democracy — but it also poses immense challenges, from rebuilding a war-torn society to preventing the rise of a new autocrat. Postwar Iraq offers lessons and cautionary tales for the nascent state.