Politics Archives

The East India Company in Bengal: Overseers of Crisis

The British and Indians meeting in a historical landscape in late 18th century.

How did the East India Company govern in Bengal? How did it contribute to one of the worst disasters in the region’s history? What’s the Bengal Bubble? After the collapse of India’s Mughal empire, the East India Company expanded its trading operations and military capacity. The company set its sights on Bengal, a wealthy province on India’s northeastern coast. It took advantage of political chaos to rise to power. Read more to learn about the East India Company in Bengal, specifically how it maintained and used its power and the impact it had on the province.

The Expansion and Consolidation of British Power in India

How did India come under British governance? What role did the East India Company play? When and how did the Indian people cast off colonial rule? In The Anarchy, historian William Dalrymple explains the expansion and consolidation of British power in India. He does this by tracing the ascent of the East India Company from a modest group of merchants to the imperialist superpower. Keep reading to learn the background of British colonial rule in India.

President Biden’s Artificial Intelligence Executive Order

What does the artificial intelligence executive order entail? What key provisions does the order contain to manage risks and protect Americans? President Biden issued a sweeping executive order in October to oversee artificial intelligence technologies, establishing new guidelines for safety, security, and privacy. The order has received mixed responses from various stakeholders. Continue reading for an overview of the order, the goals, and reactions.

Another Government Shutdown May Be on the Horizon

Systemic Inequality and Racial Segregation in Housing

Why is the House in disarray? How likely is another government shutdown? What are the consequences of Congress failing to approve required spending bills on time? Disarray in the US House of Representatives has sparked concerns about a government shutdown on November 17. Some experts argue that worsening political divides increase the likelihood of a shutdown. Others counter that the passage of a temporary spending measure will avert the crisis. Continue reading to learn whether or not another government shutdown is likely, and what it would mean.

What Is YIMBY? Introducing the “Yes in My Back Yard” Movement

What is YIMBY? What’s the frustration behind it, and what’s its goal? YIMBY (“Yes in My Back Yard”) is a social and political movement focused on affordable housing. A response to NIMBY (“Not in My Back Yard”), they demand reforms in policies and regulations that govern housing in large cities. Keep reading to learn about the YIMBY movement and its demands.

Housing and Poverty: Exploitation vs. Empowerment

Do you want to keep the poor out of your neighborhood? Are you struggling to become a homeowner? In Poverty, by America, social scientist Matthew Desmond addresses the link between housing and poverty. He argues that some public policies and personal choices exploit the poor. But, he says that we can turn things around and offer empowerment instead of exploitation. Keep reading to understand Desmond’s argument.

Empower the Poor by Cracking Down on Welfare for the Rich

How Economic Outpatient Care Leads to UAW Children

Does the tax code favor the rich? Is a progressive tax system the most fair? Matthew Desmond asserts that poverty in America persists because it benefits many people to keep some others in a state of want. He offers a multifaceted approach to eradicating poverty. One part of this is to crack down on welfare for the rich and use the money to empower the poor instead. Continue reading to get the details of Desmond’s proposal as well as a counterargument to it.

How the Global Drone Market Is Being Slowed by the FAA

What is the drone economy? How are various industries using it and what does the future promise for it? The global drone market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach $56 billion by 2030. However, strict FAA regulations on drone flights are limiting further growth of commercial drone services. Here’s a look at the FAA’s regulations, and the potential future uses of drones.

Abraham Lincoln’s Political Career (And There Was Light)

How and why did Abraham Lincoln get into politics? When did his centrist approach fail him? What song did he want played after the announcement of the Union’s victory? In And There Was Light, historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Abraham Lincoln’s political career, including the president’s actions during the Civil War. Meacham also provides some background information that sheds light on Lincoln’s politics and abilities. Continue reading to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s political career.

Lincoln and Johnson: A Conflict of Visions (Jon Meacham)

Why did Abraham Lincoln choose Andrew Johnson as his running mate? Did Johnson carry on Lincoln’s work? Historian and biographer Jon Meacham writes about the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln in his book And There Was Light. He also discusses the drastic change of course in the presidency and nation after Lincoln’s assassination. Read more to learn about Lincoln and Johnson, according to Meacham.