The Atlantic

The Myth of Mad King George III

He was denounced by rebel propagandists as a tyrant and remembered by Americans as a reactionary dolt. Who was he really?

Canada Gave Citizens the Right to Die. Doctors Are Struggling to Meet Demand.

The country gave its citizens the right to die. Doctors are struggling to keep up with demand.

What Even Is a Caesar Salad Anymore?

With chefs tossing in pig ear, tequila, and other wacky ingredients, when does a classic dish become something other than itself?

The Golden Age of American Jews Is Ending

Anti-Semitism on the right and the left threatens to bring to a close an unprecedented period of safety and prosperity for Jewish Americans—and demolish the liberal order they helped establish.

Why Parents Struggle So Much in the World’s Richest Country

Raising kids shouldn’t be this hard.

Fatigue Is So Much More Than Being Tired

Everyday tiredness is nothing like the depleting symptom that people with long COVID and ME/CFS experience.

The Sea-Urchin Murderer Has Finally Been Apprehended

Most such mysteries go unsolved. But in this case, a crack team of scientists quickly found a culprit.

The Age of American Naval Dominance Is Over

The United States has ceded the oceans to its enemies. We can no longer take freedom of the seas for granted.

The One-State Delusion

Ignoring the national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis won’t solve their conflict.

The Consolidation-Disruption Index Is Alarming

Science has a crummy-paper problem.

The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are and How Old You Think You Are

There are good reasons you always feel 20 percent younger than your actual age.

Nutrition Science’s Most Preposterous Result

Studies show a mysterious health benefit to ice cream. Scientists don’t want to talk about it.

The Surprising Truth About Seasonal Depression

That we’re all sad in winter is a common refrain, but some researchers are questioning the season’s psychological effects.

Why the Age of American Progress Ended

Invention alone can’t change the world; what matters is what happens next.

What Happened to Joe Nathan James?

What did the state of Alabama do to Joe Nathan James in the three hours before his execution?

The U.S. Needs More Housing Than Almost Anyone Can Imagine

For Americans to live a productive, prosperous, happy life, homes need to be truly abundant.

Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid

It’s not just a phase.

More Proof That This Really Is the End of History

Over the past year, it has become evident that there are key weaknesses at the core of seemingly strong authoritarian states.

Monuments to the Unthinkable

America still can’t figure out how to memorialize the sins of our history. What can we learn from Germany?

How Bad Are Plastics, Really?

They’re harmful to health, environment, and human rights—and now poised to dominate this century as an unchecked cause of climate change.