Why do American journalists keep telling the future after continually getting it wrong? James Fallows on the ideas and culture behind the predictive style in U.S. political media.

What does the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections have to do with the future of democracy in America? John Jamesen Gould on political realities, conspiracy stories, and the new media ecosystem.

What does Xi Jinping’s growing power mean for China and the world? Scott Kennedy on the historic expansion and potential limits of the Chinese president’s authority.

What do mass street protests mean for the regime in Iran? Vali Nasr on how the demonstrations represent a new kind of danger to the Islamic Republic.