The Signal

Dec. 17, 2024 | Michael Bluhm & Martin Wolf

Tale of two economies

Why is Europe falling so far behind the U.S.? Martin Wolf on diverging histories of investment, innovation, and confidence.

11 minute read

Dec. 12, 2024 | Victoria Barnes & Gustav Jönsson

Dear customer

Have banks really started closing people’s accounts because of their political views? Victoria Barnes on the dynamics of debanking.

8 minute read

Dec. 10, 2024 | Michael Bluhm & Peter Ganong

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.

10 minute read

Dec. 05, 2024 | Gustav Jönsson & Adam Tooze

Mutually assured

Why is the United States building up so much military capability? Adam Tooze on how America’s great-power rivalries with China and Russia are transforming U.S. priorities.

11 minute read

Dec. 03, 2024 | Tobias S. Harris & Oliver Mills

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.

10 minute read

Nov. 26, 2024 | Gustav Jönsson & Adolph Reed

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.

9 minute read

Nov. 20, 2024 | Michael Bluhm & Rachel Cleetus

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.

8 minute read

Nov. 14, 2024 | Andrew deWaard & Gustav Jönsson

In theaters now

Why are studios releasing so few original new films? Andrew deWaard on how movie franchises have conquered Hollywood.