Argument

An expert's point of view on a current event.

List of Argument articles

The United Nations headquarters in New York City on Oct. 29.
The United Nations headquarters in New York City on Oct. 29.

The World Needs a Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity Now

This fall, the U.N. General Assembly must seize the opportunity to finally open formal negotiations.

A Rohingya man decorates for a wedding at a refugee camp in Ukhia, Bangladesh, on Sept. 11.
A Rohingya man decorates for a wedding at a refugee camp in Ukhia, Bangladesh, on Sept. 11.

A Future Myanmar Must Include the Rohingya

Pro-democracy forces must do more to publicly condemn and investigate atrocities against the group—no matter who is committing them.

People line up to register for a potential food aid delivery at a camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in South Kordofan, Sudan on June 17, 2024.
People line up to register for a potential food aid delivery at a camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in South Kordofan, Sudan on June 17, 2024.

Europe Helps Fuel Conflict in Sudan While Shutting Its Victims Out

The EU needs to see Sudanese refugees as “part of the neighborhood” and provide them the same support as Ukrainians.

A man sits at a desk and stares at a computer monitor at a stock securities company. Another screen faces the camera with a colorful chart displayed.
A man sits at a desk and stares at a computer monitor at a stock securities company. Another screen faces the camera with a colorful chart displayed.

How Do We Know What’s Happening in China?

A notoriously opaque state still produces plenty of data.

A person takes a photo of a fascist memorabilia exhibit.
A person takes a photo of a fascist memorabilia exhibit.

U.S. Republicans Are Embracing Mussolini’s Motherhood Agenda

The Italian fascists’ pro-natalist policies are being revived today by figures from J.D. Vance to Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin.

President Joe Biden hands his pen to Vice President Kamala Harris after signing an executive order on Artificial Intelligence.
President Joe Biden hands his pen to Vice President Kamala Harris after signing an executive order on Artificial Intelligence.

AI’s Alarming Trend Toward Illiberalism

Left ungoverned, the technology opens pathways to undermine democracy.

Trump stands beside a crowd of people, facing the camera.
Trump stands beside a crowd of people, facing the camera.

So, Is Trump Really a Fascist?

Yes, but the more important question is whether that even matters to the electorate.

Xi and Putin look at each other; a man is between them, and others look on from behind.
Xi and Putin look at each other; a man is between them, and others look on from behind.

No, BRICS Isn’t Trying to Rival the West

The declaration from last week’s summit reads like a cri de coeur for the existing order.

A visitor walks between graves at the May 18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, South Korea, on May 14, 2020.
A visitor walks between graves at the May 18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, South Korea, on May 14, 2020.

Han Kang’s Nobel Is a Win for South Korea’s Democratic Struggle

The novelist focuses on dictatorial atrocities that still shadow Korean politics.

Georgian opposition supporters hold signs and protest the results of the parliamentary elections in central Tbilisi on Oct. 28.
Georgian opposition supporters hold signs and protest the results of the parliamentary elections in central Tbilisi on Oct. 28.
Illustrated planes and ships are seen on the blue field and red and white stripes of the U.S. flag.
Illustrated planes and ships are seen on the blue field and red and white stripes of the U.S. flag.

The Case for the Greater West

Washington should abandon liberal universalism and work with the empire it already has.

A person cleans a revolving door at Trump Tower in New York on March 21.
A person cleans a revolving door at Trump Tower in New York on March 21.

Trump’s Backers Fling Open America’s Door to Money Launderers

The No. 1 country to stash illicit funds will become even more welcoming to criminals.

An illustration shows a semiconductor chip as a table with small figures gathered around it. Around it is an electric grid connecting to data centers.
An illustration shows a semiconductor chip as a table with small figures gathered around it. Around it is an electric grid connecting to data centers.

The Next AI Debate Is About Geopolitics

Data might be the “new oil,” but nations—not nature—will decide where to build data centers.

A man in a suit delivers a speech in front of a blue screen.
A man in a suit delivers a speech in front of a blue screen.

Why This Year’s Nobel in Economics Is So Controversial

The award has elicited unusually strong criticism—and for good reason.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in New York on Sept. 23.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in New York on Sept. 23.

The United States Needs Subnational Diplomacy More Than Ever

In a volatile moment, mayors and governors can be a source of ballast and stability on the world stage.

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