COP29 in Baku: A high-stakes climate summit begins amid controversies and conflicting agendas
As world leaders and climate experts converge on Baku for the COP29 climate conference, an unmistakable contradiction lingers in the air, both figuratively and literally. Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, is shrouded in the odor of its fossil fuel wealth, a jarring...
Podcast: A “Deep Dive” of Edward Morgan’s exploration of Azerbaijan and COP29
The Deep Dive podcast by Milwaukee Independent takes a closer look at the stories that matter most, uncovering the layers of complexity behind today’s pressing issues. From groundbreaking research to critical social movements and the intersection of local and global...
Hollow Patriotism: Reconciling the honor that veterans are due with the disrespect of their service
In the aftermath of the 2024 election, as Americans reflect on Veterans Day, a familiar narrative emerges across the nation as it has every year since it was first observed in 1919, before being recognized as a Federal holiday in 1954. There are genuine and heartfelt...
Comeback victories: Trump follows the example of how Andrew Jackson reshaped national politics in 1828
By Spencer Goidel, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Auburn University As the nation prepares for a second Donald Trump presidency, some history-minded people may seek understanding in the idea that it was not until Richard Nixon’s second presidential term...
Undoing superstition of chronology: Simone Weil’s words remind us that progress is not always linear
“We must undo the superstition of chronology (‘progressivism’) in order to find eternity.” – Simone Weil, philosopher During this turbulent moment for American democracy, Simone Weil’s words remind us that progress is not always linear, and that true values may...
Election takeaways: A look at Trump’s decisive 2024 victory in a deeply divided America
Donald Trump scored a decisive victory in a deeply divided nation. And in so doing, the Republican president-elect exposed a fundamental weakness within the Democratic base and beat back concerns about his moral failings, becoming the first U.S. president with a...
Political comeback: What a Trump win means for the half of America who did not vote for him
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on November6, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and...
An election of hate: How Trump’s White House victory was fueled by Americans who deny their racism
“Sometimes fear triumphs over hope. Donald Trump’s shocking victory in the 2016 US presidential election was described as a leap into the political unknown. This time there is no excuse. America knew that he was a convicted criminal, serial liar, and racist...
Dark future: Americans abandon U.S. Constitution with decision to elect a self-declared dictator
As final votes are counted in the 2024 presidential election, signs indicate that convicted felon Donald Trump is on the brink of winning re-election. If confirmed, the outcome will represent a seismic shift in American democracy. It will also mark a moment of...
The missing voices of courage: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, faith leaders, and the toxic legacy of MAGA politics
As America stands on the other side of yet another pivotal election, many look around, wondering why faith leaders were hesitant to confront the lingering influences of the toxic MAGA movement. Historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who famously stood against...
Racial hierarchy: Why Trump is a savior to people who want to enshrine the dominance of White culture
By Marya T. Mtshali, Lecturer in Studies in Women, Gender, and Sexuality, Harvard University Americans who heard former President Donald Trump claim that Vice President Kamala Harris previously identified as “not Black” in a July 2024 interview may wonder why he...
The margin of victory: What to expect in Wisconsin on Election Day as votes are counted
Wisconsin is no stranger to close presidential elections. The margin of victory was less than a percentage point in the state’s 2020, 2016, 2004, and 2000 elections. So it might be again this Election Day. Both Republican former President Donald Trump and...
