When Haruki Murakami Takes His Own Magic for Granted
The Japanese author’s popularity rests on a blend of mystery and accessibility. His latest novel fails to achieve that balance.
The Democrats’ Billionaire Mistake
In a populist moment, the Democratic Party had the extremely rich and the very famous, some great music, and Mark Ruffalo. And they got shellacked.
Revenge of the COVID Contrarians
They’re angry at the public-health establishment. Now they’re in control of it.
What Comes Next for Air Travel
The Trump administration could prove more sympathetic to businesses than to consumers.
A Guide for the Politically Homeless
Those left adrift by Trump’s rise must now engage in a new project.
The Road Dogs of the American West
Survivalists, drifters, and divorcées across a resurgent wilderness
Taylor Swift Is a Perfect Example of How Publishing Is Changing
Swift is a symptom, not a cause, of the weakening bonds between celebrities and publishing houses.
The Atlantic Gift Guide
The Atlantic has chosen 65 gifts for bringing more merriment, adventure, and wonder to the ones you love.
Aftermath
A poem for Wednesday
The AI War Was Never Just About AI
Tech giants such as Google and Meta need something more than compelling chatbots to win.
Tossing a Bird That Does Not Fly Out of a Plane
A Thanksgiving story about the limits of human empathy
Everyone Agrees Americans Aren’t Healthy
The Biden administration tried to address the country’s health problems, with only modest success.
How America Got Mean
In a culture devoid of moral education, generations are growing up in a morally inarticulate, self-referential world.
The Cases Against Trump: A Guide
Thirty-four felony convictions. Charges of fraud, election subversion, and obstruction. One place to keep track of the president-elect’s legal troubles.
Three Ways to Become a Deeper Thinker
You don’t have to become a Buddhist monk to realize the value of contemplating hard questions without clear answers.
Donald Trump’s Most Dangerous Cabinet Pick
Pete Hegseth considers himself to be at war with basically everybody to Trump’s left, and it is by no means clear that he means war metaphorically.
The Perfect Man Who Wasn’t
For years he used fake identities to charm women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then his victims banded together to take him down.
What Pete Hegseth’s Nomination Is Really About
Revenge on the military is just the start of it.
The Supreme Court Has Itself to Blame for Texas Defying Its Orders
Greg Abbott is taking a stand to protect his state’s right to let children die in the Rio Grande, and four justices of the Supreme Court are encouraging him to do so.
Dear Therapist: No One Wants to Host My In-Laws for the Holidays
My husband’s parents are divorcing, and they are worried about being alone.