The AI War Was Never Just About AI
Tech giants such as Google and Meta need something more than compelling chatbots to win.
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 Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books
To read a book in college, it helps to have read a book in high school.
The Atlantic Gift Guide
The Atlantic has chosen 65 gifts for bringing more merriment, adventure, and wonder to the ones you love.
Everyone Agrees Americans Aren’t Healthy
The Biden administration tried to address the country’s health problems, with only modest success.
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.
What the Broligarchs Want From Trump
Tremendous power is flowing to tech and finance magnates.
The Right Has a Bluesky Problem
The X exodus is weakening a way for conservatives to speak to the masses.
A Ridiculous, Perfect Way to Make Friends
Group fitness classes aren’t just about exercise.
Trump’s Most Misunderstood Policy Proposal
Economists aren’t telling the whole truth about tariffs.
A Good Country’s Bad Choice
And what I got wrong about the 2024 election
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.
What the Men of the Internet Are Trying to Prove
Jake Paul is an emblem of a generation starving for purpose while gorging on spectacle.
Democracy Is Not Over
Americans who care about democracy have every right to feel appalled and frightened. But then they have work to do.
The Leak Scandal Roiling Israel
Netanyahu’s spokesperson stands accused of revealing secrets for political gain.
What Pete Hegseth’s Nomination Is Really About
Revenge on the military is just the start of it.
Gladiator II Is More Than Just a Spectacle
Ridley Scott’s ancient-Roman epic manages to find some beauty amid the savagery.
The ‘Democracy’ Gap
Almost all Americans say they support democracy—but they have very different ideas about what the word means.
The Saruman Trap
When power is corrupt, there is no way to escape its toxic influence.
Best of How To: Spend Time on What You Value
How to make the most of your downtime