Summer 2008, No. 9

Best New Publication. That’s what the Utne Independent Press Awards called us, choosing Democracy after combing through more than 1,300 independent publications.

But, as a loyal reader, you are well aware of Democracy’s provocative articles, A-list authors, and path-breaking ideas. With features such as last year’s “After Iraq” and last issue’s “New Progressive Agenda” symposia, you are reading, and becoming a part of, the debate about the future of the progressive movement. Indeed, many of the articles that have appeared in our pages have birthed ideas that have found homes in the Edwards, Clinton, and Obama campaigns; been embraced by policymakers on Capitol Hill; and been praised in the pages of the Washington Post and New York Times.

This issue is no different. Our articles cover some of the most pressing challenges we face today—from climate change and the aging of America to the future of China, the Muslim world, and the global food supply. Tackling these subjects are some of the most influential and fresh voices in the progressive world—the men and women who will shape our country and world for years to come.

Back Issues Archive

Features

Scrap Kyoto

Kyoto is dead—and that's a good thing. In its place, we need massive global investment in new clean energy technology.

By Michael Shellenberger Ted Nordhaus

24 MIN READ

Old News

It's time to tear up the intergenerational contract and construct public policy around the one core group of people for whom social investments really pay off: kids.

By Isabel Sawhill Emily Monea

26 MIN READ

Doctors Without Orders

To improve global health, what we need isn't just Bill Gates's billions, but Microsoft's managers.

By Josh Ruxin

25 MIN READ

Return of the Jihadi

Thousands of foreign fighters are streaming back from Iraq to places as far-flung as London and Lebanon. What happens when the jihadis come marching home?

By Andrew Exum

23 MIN READ

Book Reviews

How China Is Read

At this summer's Beijing Olympics, the Chinese elite will try to put its best face forward. But the glitter masks growing dissent among those outside the inner circle.

By Hu Ping

15 MIN READ

Word on the Street

What Osama bin Laden and George W. Bush get wrong about Muslims.

By Fawaz Gerges

16 MIN READ

Judge Not

While we battle over who our judges are, what matters most is how they judge.

By Kermit Roosevelt III

15 MIN READ

Pentagon 2.0

The battle to rebuild America's military after Iraq—and in preparation for the battles of the 21st century—has begun.

By T.X. Hammes

17 MIN READ

Pantry Politics

With food shortages threatening global stability, we need to reorient food policy from quantity to quality.

By Adam Sheingate

15 MIN READ

Rise of the Declinists

With America mired in two wars and a recession, is the country being eclipsed on the world stage?

By Derek Chollet

14 MIN READ

Responses

The Genetics of Fear

Sci-fi fantasies about the risks of genetic engineering can't get in the way of life-saving research. A response to Jamie Metzl.

By Henry Greely

10 MIN READ

Recounting

Conscience of a Constructor

Why it matters when good architects take on big projects for bad governments.

By Clay Risen

9 MIN READ

Editor's Note

Editors' Note

The old saying has been inverted: today, all politics is global.

By Kenneth Baer and Andrei Cherny

4 MIN READ

Letters

Letters to the Editor

Democracy readers respond to Issue #8.

By Democracy Readers

4 MIN READ

Back Issues Archive