
Why Did the State Department Just Spend $84,375 on a Sculpture by Bob Dylan?
The purchase represents the cultural aspects of U.S. diplomacy for some and lavish and wasteful spending for others.

Putin’s Public Enemy
The Kremlin is going after Russian rappers, but the government can't control a culture it doesn't understand.

How the Mighty Have Fallen
Israeli literary icon Amos Oz died on Dec. 28 at age 79. Author Ayelet Tsabari considers his legacy.

Poetry for the Masses
1,200 newly translated poems from Bertolt Brecht offer an unexpected survival guide for difficult times.

South Koreans Learn to Love the Other
How to manufacture multiculturalism.

Tech Companies Are Ruining America’s Image
The United States has become identified with the global internet economy — for better and worse.

The Right to Kill
Should Brazil keep its Amazon tribes from taking the lives of their children?

2017 Was the Year I Learned About My White Privilege
I used to be a smart-alecky conservative who scoffed at “political correctness.” The Trump era has opened my eyes.

An Old Colonel Looks at General Kelly
After eight years at Foreign Policy, here are the ten most popular Best Defense posts.

This Is How Every Genocide Begins
Why Trump’s most un-American moment can’t be overlooked.

UNESCO Gets First Jewish Director, Day After U.S. Leaves Over ‘Anti-Israel’ Bias
Outgoing head defends organization after U.S., Israeli departure.

Oh, Lorde: New Zealand Singer Picks up Croatian Citizenship
The beloved popstar got the green light to become a Croat.

Brexit’s Dunkirk Fantasyland
If the cultural roots of Brexit are reduced to one sentiment, it is that Britain did not win two world wars to be run by Germany via Brussels.

Who Will Win the Battle for the Bolshoi?
The cancellation of a controversial ballet at Russia’s premiere theater holds dark clues as to where the country could be headed after Putin.

The Elephant in the Comedy Club
A troupe of popular young comics avoids mixing humor and politics in Rwanda.

For the Love of Welsh Rarebit
In a politically correct era, is it ever OK to crave colonialist cuisine?

‘Despacito’ Is Too Sexy for Malaysia, Says Minister
State-owned outlets are prohibited from broadcasting the steamy Latin hit.

Screw Brad Pitt and the ‘War Machine’ He Rode in On
The Stanley McChrystal — and the war in Afghanistan — I knew is not at all like what you’ll see on Netflix.

Don’t Call It Brexit Radio
Union JACK Radio was supposed to celebrate the quirks of British culture, from tea and scones to Mr. Bean. Then came Brexit. Then came the angry tweets.

Elmo Joins the Forever War
"Sesame Street" is heading to Syrian refugee camps, a blessing for kids with little hope. Better yet, experts say, Elmo and friends can help fight extremism.