All The Monitor's View
Does Dry January signal a shift on alcohol?Despite its good intentions, Prohibition failed to impose sobriety on the public. But popular movements such as Dry January and Sober Curious now encourage individuals to experience the benefits of an alcohol-free life for themselves.
Where Republicans and Democrats work together to 鈥榝ix Congress鈥�An under-the-radar select committee recommends practical changes that can improve the way government work.
2020 and human progressThe bad news of the past year and decade can hide wonderful examples of better lives for people around the world. Rather than debate the pluses and minuses of the past, why not jump in now on the side of hope?
Hello, who鈥檚 there? Maybe fewer scammers.A rare piece of bipartisan legislation recently passed by Congress promises to get tougher on annoying and harmful robocalls. But continuing to just say no to answering them will still be the last line of defense.
Keeping homeless people in mental viewThe Christmas season offers a time to remember those who have no home to go home to.
Helping college students avoid money woesHigh schools and parents often fail to teach basic financial literacy. But a student鈥檚 life during and after college can hinge on learning important planning skills.
The cost of winning at all costsA doping scandal means Russia鈥檚 teams and flag will be banned from international sports competition for years to come. Will it shame the country into making real reforms?
The arc of post-prison forgivenessKentucky鈥檚 move to restore voting rights for many former prisoners reflects a deeper reform in criminal justice.
Middle East starts to clean houseIn countries with mass protests, early successes include convictions on corruption even before democratic reforms. Demands for honest governance are as strong as those for democracy.
Brexit and other fixes in globalizationThe Conservative victory in Britain is just the latest course correction for several trade deals, or a necessary reform to heal those hurt by the flow of goods, people, money, and information across borders.
All for one in Europe鈥檚 climate planA bold proposal for carbon cuts by the European Commission also comes with plans to share the burden fairly. The fair part may be as important as the carbon targets.
When peace prize laureates falterTwo recent Nobel winners are under fire, only highlighting an era in which concepts of leadership are shifting.
Ukraine's real power with RussiaThe first peace talks in three years showed how much Russia is weakening as Ukraine鈥檚 recent progress gives it increasing strength to resist Moscow鈥檚 influence.
A nation鈥檚 remarkable recovery of trustTen years ago, Greece鈥檚 false claims about its debt sent both it and Europe into an economic spiral. Now its steady return to credibility shows how countries can restore trust.
Tiger鈥檚 tale out of the roughA decade after contritely admitting infidelity and falling from the grace of professional golf, Tiger Woods鈥� recovery in the sport shows the power of forgiveness.
Where women led in 2019In mass protests in five Muslim countries, many of the demonstrators were not only women but also the leaders. This social breakthrough in equality helps lay a path for full democracy.
Why NATO at 70 is as young as everThe alliance鈥檚 anniversary summit had lively disputes but ended with a unity around shared ideals that make NATO more than a guardian of territory.
Why tyrants really block the internetAs global norms against state violence rise, countries like Iran try harder to prevent videos of their police killing protesters. They are, in effect, ashamed of violating international standards.
The global lesson from London鈥檚 knife attackA terrorist released from prison and who had gone through rehab programs killed two advocates of such programs. The attack can focus global attention on better ways to reintegrate terrorists into society.
Rethinking farms and food in the AI ageAs robots and other inventions take over agriculture, society must rethink its relationship to those who nourish it.聽
