From a cursory empirical analysis it seems as if in most of the world, with the exceptions of North Africa and the Middle East, secularism has firmly taken root. The Western world and developing nations have been moving away from God and more towards science and reason. Religion is on its way out—secularism is here … Read more
She opens a bottle of ink and pours it on the man’s face. It traces a black finger down his forehead, splitting like the two prongs of a Manchu mustache and dribbling like baby food onto his suit. She laughs. He does not. His arms are jet-planed behind him, his wife kneels on a floor … Read more
While traditional discourse has focused on the exodus of well educated professionals from developing nations, over half a million Chinese students who had worked or studied abroad had returned home by the end of 2009. They are commonly referred to as haigui or “sea turtles.” This group is using the skills gained in their ventures … Read more
While traditional discourse has focused on the exodus of well educated professionals from developing nations, over half a million Chinese students who had worked or studied abroad had returned home by the end of 2009. They are commonly referred to as haigui or “sea turtles.” This group is using the skills gained in their ventures … Read more
In the days following nuclear disarmament negotiations with North Korea on February 29, 2012, the United States was busy publicizing its “diplomatic breakthrough.” Meanwhile, 31 North Koreans who had crossed the border into China were captured by Chinese authorities, detained amid protests from the international community, and eventually repatriated back to the D.P.R.K. This received … Read more
The Future of Moderates under California’s Proposition 14. Every year in California, out of a barrage of propositions, only a few enter the general consciousness. Some of these deal with hot button issues, including the legalization of marijuana in Prop 19 and the denial of gay marriage through Prop 8. Others dominate the dinnertime airwaves, … Read more
China’s transformation is one of the most startling tales of economic fortitude over the last half-century. Within this transformation, the importance of China’s migrant workers is often underestimated, even though Chinese migrants account for nearly twenty percent of China’s annual growth. Like migrant workers elsewhere, economic prospects and opportunities in Chinese cities drive rural Chinese … Read more
Like many people my age, I didn’t “discover” that I was American until after I left America. The story is typical, and it begins like this: Kid leaves suburban hometown to travel the world. It’s his “gap year.” Kid backpacks through Peru, learns to dance salsa, and drinks tea atop Andean mountains. He does this … Read more
Climate Change can seem removed from our daily lives—many of us live in urban environments, far away from nature, and spend much of our time inside air conditioned buildings. Our modern system of living that contributes to global warming ultimately buffers us from its effects. Native American tribes, though, living in much more immediate contact with … Read more