One of the sadder consequences of the near decade of war and violence that has followed the attacks of 9/11 is that so many people are convinced that we are in a clash of civilizations divided along religious fault lines. The rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric in Europe and the continued attraction of radical antinomian Islam in parts of the Muslim world attest to this situation.
Read moreBook review: 'Fubarnomics' by Robert E. Wright
We live in an era of economic anxiety. There have been other such eras, but this one seems particularly acute. Though the actual fortunes of Americans differ widely, there is a shared sense of something not right. That sentiment acts as a negative glue, binding Americans in a collective malaise.
Read more'Superfusion' by Zachary Karabell
Los Angeles Times review of Superfusion.
Read moreLA TIMES BOOK REVIEW: SUPERFUSION BY ZACHARY KARABELL
In February, when President Obama signed a $787-billion stimulus bill, there was little question where the money would come from. The U.S. Treasury would print up bonds, and the Chinese government would buy a large share of them. After all, if the U.S. economy was to ever really tank, China's $1-trillion investment in U.S. debt would tank too. And who then would be left to buy a third of China's exports?
Read moreA messy present, a peaceful past
The Los Angeles Times review of Peace Be Upon You.
Read moreA decaying symbol of progress, pride
Los Angeles Times Review of Parting the Desert.
Read moreLost Horizon
LA Times review of A Visionary Nation.
Read moreWhy Go Chasing the Next Utopia?
It's frequently said that the United States is a young country, but with 150 years of colonial history plus 225 years since the Declaration of Independence, we are starting to accumulate some serious history.
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