We have put together a package called “Decision 2024” in which we ask a very simple but interesting question: In 12 years, what will our parties and politics look like? Nine distinguished contributors take us up on the challenge, among them David Frum, Christine Todd Whitman, Ruy Teixeira, Felicia Wong, and Kevin Drum.

Also in the issue: Peter Orszag, former White House budget director, charts a path to avoid the looming budget armageddon. E.J. Dionne, our esteemed editorial chairman, makes the case for why progressives need to pay as much attention to history as conservatives do. Adam Sheingate, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, takes a look at our food-safety system and argues for fundamental reform.

The issue also features an impressive lineup in our reviews and responses sections: Thomas B. Edsall on the conservative ascendancy. James Kwak on why some nations fail and others succeed. Kim Phillips-Fein on the extinction of the moderate Republican. Will Marshall on Bill Clinton’s communitarian legacy. Eric Rauchway on two new histories of liberals and radicals.