Shakespeare’s elusive politics. Noah Millman rejects the idea that Shakespeare was simply a defender of the status quo.

Why Scotland should vote ‘yes’. David Speedie, a Scottish expatriate living in America, makes the case for independence.

The rise of the Hanoverian dynasty and its consequences. Matt Ridley recalls the effects of the accession of George I on the politics of Britain.

Remembering the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Zachary Shore studies the events leading up to the incident to understand what North Vietnamese leaders were thinking.

Disappearing dissent in Israel. Gregg Carlstrom reports on the near-unanimity in favor of the Gaza operation and the extreme hostility to the few remaining antiwar Israelis.

Do Palestinians have a right to self-defense? Emily Hauser comments on Palestinian statelessness and defenselessness.

The real danger to Israel. Julia Amalia Heyer interviews Israeli sociologist Eva Illouz for Der Spiegel.

Why Justin Amash keeps winning. Tim Alberta profiles the Michigan representative and reports on his successful primary campaign.

Reputation is vastly overrated in international affairs. Robert Farley explains why it doesn’t matter whether China “blinked” in a recent stand-off with Vietnam.

China is losing its “war on terror.” Zachary Keck details how Beijing’s crackdown on Uighurs is backfiring.