In this issue, Duke University law professor and distinguished author Jedediah Purdy looks at the Roberts Court—and finds much to worry about. Purdy argues that we are in a new era of economic libertarianism on the Court. But how we got here—through which legal theories and constructions—gives Purdy’s piece its force and originality, and drops some clues about how the Court might find on health reform.

Also in the issue: Jared Bernstein, fresh from his stint as Vice President Biden’s chief economic adviser, tackles a subject that’s on Washington’s mind: the debt. But that obsession has been outsized and misplaced—indeed, debt can be a good thing, Bernstein argues. His take on this important subject should be required reading for all of Washington.

The issue also features the return of our First Principles series. We asked five important thinkers to lay out progressive principles on foreign policy: Charles Kupchan on grand strategy, Rosa Brooks on democracy promotion, Tom Perriello on humanitarian intervention, Rachel Kleinfeld on public diplomacy, and Bruce Jentleson on adjusting to a “Copernican” world. And there’s more: Mark Schmitt on third parties. Andrew Exum on the soldier’s life. Tara McKelvey on top secret America. Christopher Byrd on Alfred Kazin.