Skip to main content

Sort by: Show:
  1. The Privileged Gaza Protesters
    buruma213_Stephanie KeithGetty Images_palestine college Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

    The Privileged Gaza Protesters

    May 7, 2024 Ian Buruma argues that fear of losing rank could be driving students to demonstrate their intersectional bona fides.

  2. The Case for Israel Remains Valid
    buruma212_Sean GallupGetty Images_israelflaggermany Sean Gallup/Getty Images

    The Case for Israel Remains Valid

    Apr 1, 2024 Ian Buruma explains why the country’s founding principle as a safe haven for Jews still appeals to many people.

  3. Alexei Navalny Did Not Die for Nothing
    buruma211_VANO SHLAMOVAFP via Getty Image_navalny Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images

    Alexei Navalny Did Not Die for Nothing

    Mar 1, 2024 Ian Buruma highlights the crucial role of political martyrs in inspiring resistance to oppressive regimes.

  4. The Threat of Messianic Politics
    buruma210_Imtiyaz KhanAnadolu via Getty Images_modiram Imtiyaz Khan/Anadolu via Getty Images

    The Threat of Messianic Politics

    Jan 29, 2024 Ian Buruma explains why political leaders and contenders worldwide are embracing the role of religious savior.

  5. The Culture War at Harvard and Beyond
    buruma209_Kevin DietschGetty Images_claudine gay Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

    The Culture War at Harvard and Beyond

    Jan 8, 2024 Ian Buruma thinks Claudine Gay’s downfall reveals something important about changed perceptions of Jews.

Follow Ian Buruma

Never miss a commentary by Ian Buruma

  1. strain14_artificial intelligence drug development_ai Getty Images

    Don’t Believe the AI Hype

    Daron Acemoglu

    If you listen to tech industry leaders, business-sector forecasters, and much of the media, you may believe that recent advances in generative AI will soon bring extraordinary productivity benefits, revolutionizing life as we know it. Yet neither economic theory nor the data support such exuberant forecasts.

    finds nothing to support widely cited assessments of the technology’s near-term potential.
  2. yu77_CFOTOFuture Publishing via Getty Images_china consumption CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    What the China Pessimists Are Getting Wrong

    Yu Yongding rejects gloomy narratives about the economy’s prospects and proposes ways to revive growth.
  3. adda1_ Nicholas KajobaXinhua via Getty Images_hbv Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua via Getty Images

    A Big Step Forward for Liver Health

    Danjuma Adda explains how new hepatitis guidelines from the World Health Organization could reduce cancer deaths in Africa.
  4. khrushcheva181_ SERGEI BOBYLYOVPOOLAFP via Getty Images)_xi putin SERGEI BOBYLYOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

    The Fragile Fraternity of China and Russia

    Nina L. Khrushcheva

    Vladimir Putin’s recent state visit to Beijing – his first trip abroad since being inaugurated for a fifth term – was practically a mirror image of Mao Zedong’s visit to Moscow 75 years ago, when Stalin looked down on his guest. There is little reason to think that the bilateral relationship will prove more resilient this time.

    doubts that two countries with such diverging interests will be able to build a lasting partnership.
  5. subacchi41_ViaframeGetty Images_worldcrackingglobebreaking Viaframe/Getty Images

    The Global Economy Is More Vulnerable Than It Seems

    Bertrand Badré & Yves Tiberghien identify five factors driving a potentially catastrophic trend toward fragmentation.
  6. skidelsky201_Leon NealGetty Images_BOE Leon Neal/Getty Images

    The Myth of Central-Bank Independence

    Robert Skidelsky thinks the time has come to transfer power from technocrats back to elected officials.
  7. vaheesan2_Michael M. SantiagoGetty Images_gigworkersprotest Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

    The Gig Economy vs. America’s Workers

    Sandeep Vaheesan warns that proposed ballot initiatives in Massachusetts would legalize exploitative employment practices.
  8. sherwin13_CURTIS MEANSPOOLAFP via Getty Images_repubicans trump trial CURTIS MEANS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

    King Trump on Trial

    Richard K. Sherwin explains why a parade of Republican leaders have made appearances at the former president’s trial in New York.
  9. spence173_ Joe RaedleGetty Images_power Joe Raedle/Getty Images

    Crunch Time for the Power Sector

    Michael Spence argues that developing flexible, stable, and resilient smart grids requires an expanded industrial policy.

Edit Newsletter Preferences

Set up Notification

To receive email updates regarding this {entity_type}, please enter your email below.

If you are not already registered, this will create a PS account for you. You should receive an activation email shortly.