Modern Times

Reversals

In a few months, the fortunes of Ukraine, Iran, and Trump have changed dramatically. But it ain’t over.

1 hr ago • Marty Manley

Aiming for the Stomach: A Pragmatic Blueprint for AI Regulation

Put Basic Disclosure, Liability, and Monitoring in Place Before a Crisis Hits

Oct 1 • Marty Manley

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September 2026

The Business Behind the Curtain

Many companies now keep their real business hidden from view

Sep 28 • Marty Manley

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Democrats Change the Subject

Dems used to favor redistribution. Now they’d rather talk about other things.

Sep 5 • Marty Manley

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August 2026

Beijing Picked the Losers

Mayors who rebelled against central planners drove China’s EV boom

Aug 20 • Marty Manley

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The Taxes Nobody Votes For

America is using tariffs and inflation to pay its debt. Taxes would be more democratic.

Aug 18 • Marty Manley

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The Third China Shock

Germany bet wrong on gas cars. America may be betting wrong on frontier AI.

Aug 7 • Marty Manley

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July 2026

Secret Agents are Coming

What happens when AI agents know you better than you know yourself?

Jul 10 • Marty Manley

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"There is a Great Deal of Ruin in a Nation”

What Brexit and the ghost of a 100-year-old American immigration law teach us about the high cost of political self-harm.

Jul 8 • Marty Manley

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Outliving Obsolescence

On the politics, economics, and enduring magic of mechanical watches

Jul 5 • Marty Manley

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Can Democrats Take the Senate in November?

Probably not. But building a stronger party would increase the odds.

Jul 2 • Marty Manley

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June 2026

The Cauldron and the Commons: Will AI Feed the Village or Drain It?

Two old stories illuminate the most important question in AI governance.

Jun 1 • Marty Manley

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