The Ideas Letter
Historian of political thought Miri Davidson has long focused her research on the relationship between anthropology and the far right. In this highly original essay, Davidson considers the contemporary right’s recent embrace of the moral economy. The lessons she draws are instructive for a world in thrall to the nation-state.
A decades-long observer of the Chinese condition, few are better placed than Kaiser Kuo to understand where China has been and where it’s headed. Kuo’s piece will provoke you to argue back. It’s important reading and an analeptic to the customary cant.
And one of our greatest philosophers of mind, Tim Crane, offers a judicious appraisal of a recent social history of analytic philosophy. Crane’s apologia for analytic philosophy is absent of invective and in a register of pluralism; even Continentalists might appreciate his subtle conclusions.
Thea Riofrancos leads our curated section in an interview from the recent Baffler. Riofrancos is popping up in a lot of places lately, in part because the political scientist is asking all the right questions. Her new book Extraction grapples with how best to balance necessary mining with the (even more necessary) demands of climate catastrophe.
The enormously talented writer Lily Lynch is next in an insightful review of Lea Ypi’s prequel to her acclaimed book Free. Lynch’s great knowledge of the Western Balkans yields intriguing and subtle insights.
Ivan Krastev and I occasionally write together, but this time we appear separately in the latest Prospect magazine. Ivan compels us to confront the reality that liberalism after populism looks different than it did before, with Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk facing disfigured states and overly riven societies.
Featured Essays
What is The Ideas Letter
Welcome to The Ideas Letter, a publication that prizes the unconventional. We are not in the business of persuading. We won’t try to convince you of anything—other than that the world is complex and reality ever-shifting. We are not here to advocate. What you will find, and we hope embrace, are contributions from across ideological aisles, from a broad range of disciplines and a true cross-section of thinking. If catholicity is your métier, and you are uneasy with banging the drum but would rather hear its many sounds, this is the place for you.
We really like critique. Not the mean-spirited or spiteful kind, but rather commentary that raises tough questions, unpacks assumptions, sometimes calls people on the carpet, and always provides opportunity for discussion. That is what we are really after—facilitating, augmenting, furthering, and bolstering debate around issues of consequence.
You’ll find here articles, essays, and criticism that will challenge you to think. Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to tell a friend. Or even someone with whom you disagree!