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Atlantic Unbound | Archive
Interviews ..... The Great Irish-Dutch-American NovelJoseph O'Neill, an Irishman raised in Holland, talks about The Great Gatsby, post-9/11 New York, and his new novel, Netherland. Uranium on the LooseLawrence Scott Sheets discusses the lawlessness of the former Soviet republics and the nuclear threat no one talks about. Jhumpa LahiriThe author of Interpreter of Maladies and The Namesake talks about her affinity for "plainness," why she avoids book reviews, and her new collection of short stories. Penetrating the Great FirewallJames Fallows, author of "The Connection Has Been Reset," explains how he was able to probe the taboo subject of Chinese Internet censorship. One Nation, Under GodsEliza Griswold, author of "God's Country," talks about the forces driving religious conflict in Nigeria and what the rivalry between Christians and Muslims could mean for Africa's most populous country. The Case for Mr. Not-Quite-RightLori Gottlieb, the author of "Marry Him," talks about soul mates, all-consuming love, and why it makes sense to compromise those ideals. The All-American KitchenSteven Gdula, the author of The Warmest Room in the House, talks about home cooking, how we eat, and the evolution of the American kitchen. What's in a Font?Virginia Postrel talks with Gary Hustwit—director of Helvetica—about filmmaking, creativity, and the expressive implications of one of the world's most popular typefaces. The Younger Side of Nick HornbyNick Hornby, the author of High Fidelity, About a Boy, and Fever Pitch, talks about the pitfalls of contemporary literary culture, his ambition to be the male Anne Tyler, and his new novel for young adults. Containing MultitudesAndrew Sullivan speaks candidly about why he supports Barack Obama, how he became a blogger, and why he's not afraid to change his mind. The Story of a MagazineVeteran editor Robert Vare talks about why he loves magazine journalism, what makes The Atlantic distinctive, and the challenges of whittling down a "best of" collection of Atlantic writings. Everybody Loves ReinholdPaul Elie, author of "A Man for All Reasons," discusses the contested legacy of Reinhold Niebuhr, whose mantle everyone, regardless of political orientation, wants to wear. The Pakistan QuestionJoshua Hammer, author of "After Musharraf," talks with Atlantic senior editor Joy de Menil about Pakistan's future and its implications for the United States. Survival of the KindestOlivia Judson, author of "The Selfless Gene," discusses the evolutionary roots of altruism and fellow feeling. After MusharrafWhat the future holds for Pakistan—and for America. Private Equity DeconstructedAtlantic senior editor Clive Crook weighs in on the private-equity business—why it's booming, where it's headed, and what it means for American capitalism. The World According to RoveAtlantic senior editor Joshua Green discusses Karl Rove's political fantasies and fatal mistakes. My PornographyAnn Patchett talks about writing, friendship, and defending her work against censorious detractors. Writers in TrainingEdward J. Delaney discusses the country's best graduate writing programs and how to compare them. Transcending GodChristopher Hitchens on his beef with religion, his faith in mankind, and his new bestselling book, God Is Not Great. As the Romans DidCullen Murphy, the author of Are We Rome?, talks about the American empire's parallels with the ancient republic and how we can learn from the caesars' mistakes. The Dark Side of the Gilded AgeJack Beatty, the author of Age of Betrayal, talks about the poverty, inequality, and corrupt politics that marred America's past and set us on a course toward today. A Church for ChinaAdam Minter, author of "Keeping Faith," discusses his article about Bishop Jin Luxian, the future of Catholicism in China, and life as a writer in Shanghai. Statecraft and StagecraftAuthor David Samuels interviews former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, and George Schultz. The New RecruitBrian Mockenhaupt talks about the men and women who enter basic training today, and how the Army has adapted to meet their needs. A Single BulletThomas Mallon talks about JFK conspiracy theories and a new book that places the blame squarely on Lee Harvey Oswald. Travels With CondiDavid Samuels, author of "Grand Illusions," discusses his travels with Condoleezza Rice and her ambitious efforts to secure peace in the Middle East. A Conversation With Colin PowellFormer Secretary of State Colin Powell talks with author David Samuels about the relative advantages of using “soft power” and “hard power” in spreading American influence and ideas, and about the current state of American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and elsewhere. A Conversation With George SchultzGeorge Schultz speaks with author David Samuels about American diplomacy in the Middle East, the Cold War, the global spread of market capitalism, and his relationship with Condoleezza Rice. The Activist SoldierAndrew J. Bacevich, author of "Warrior Politics," talks about the increased politicization of the American military and its troubling potential consequences. "Israel Is Our Home"Gershom Gorenberg elucidates the startling politics of Avigdor Lieberman, a right-wing Israeli politician who has lately taken center stage. As the World WarmsGregg Easterbrook talks about his cover story, "Global Warming: Who Loses—and Who Wins?," and the unexpected by-products of climate change. Girls Gone StudiousLynn Peril talks about the evolution of girls' college experiences, and her new book, College Girls: Bluestockings, Sex Kittens, and Co-Eds, Then and Now. Viewers to a KillJeremy Kahn, author of "The Story of a Snitch," talks about the growing problem of witness intimidation and the challenges of reporting a story about it. Not Tonight, DearJoan Sewell talks about her new book, I'd Rather Eat Chocolate, and the politically incorrect reality that most married women just aren't that into sex. Dark RememberingsShira Nayman, the author of Awake in the Dark, plumbs the secrets of World War II Germany to craft haunting present-day tales. Presidential LiesCarl M. Cannon, the author of "Untruth and Consequences," talks about the lies our presidents tell us—and the ones they tell themselves. Shakespeare UnleashedRon Rosenbaum, author of The Shakespeare Wars, on releasing the "infinite energies" within Shakespeare's words. Turn Off, Tune Out, Drop InHanna Rosin, the author of "Striking a Pose," discusses yoga's journey from Himalayan mountaintops to the studio down the street. Candidate HillaryJoshua Green talks about his experience profiling Hillary Clinton and shares his thoughts on her presidential prospects. Sorrow Without PityCarmen Callil discusses Bad Faith, her unflinching portrait of a fascist Frenchman. Islam on Trial?The author of "Prophetic Justice" discusses the murky business of prosecuting would-be terrorists on the basis of their beliefs. Stop the Insanity!Sandra Tsing-Loh describes the elite, utopian island of urban private education—and explains why she opted to steer clear of it. Doodlers-in-ChiefSina Najafi talks about his quirky publication, Cabinet Magazine, and its forthcoming book of doodles by U.S. presidents. Endgaming the Terror WarJames Fallows talks about the surprising strides we've made against al-Qaeda—and why declaring victory will make us safer. Common KnowledgeMarshall Poe on the marvels and pitfalls of Wikipedia, the fastest-growing encyclopedia in human history. Poet in ResidenceDavid Barber, The Atlantic's poetry editor, talks about the writing and teaching of poetry, and about his new collection of poems, Wonder Cabinet Reading and WritingNovelist and critic Francine Prose talks about creativity, literary craftsmanship, and her new book, Reading Like a Writer. The American War MachineJames Carroll, the author of House of War, on the inexorable momentum of the Pentagon. Same Planet, Different WorldsGary Shteyngart, author of the novel Absurdistan, discusses American rappers, Azerbaijani kidnappers, and what makes satire serious fiction. Web of TerrorNadya Labi discusses the murky world of online jihad. The Journalist and the MurdererDouglas Preston discusses his investigation of the "Monster of Florence"—and the strange plot twist that made him a suspect in the case. A Woman's Place?Caitlin Flanagan, America's feistiest stay-at-home mom, shares her thoughts on gerbils, gay marriage, and Robert Graves. Enemy of the StateMilton Viorst on the path that brought his son's childhood friend from a middle-class American upbringing to life imprisonment for conspiracy to commit "violent jihad" After RoeJeffrey Rosen, the author of the June cover story, on what Roe v. Wade has done to the country, and what might happen without it. Tracking India's Bandit QueenA conversation with Mary Anne Weaver. Sentence by SentenceShort story writer Amy Hempel talks about forensics, seeing eye dogs, and her new Collected Stories Beinart Talks BackThe author of The Good Fight defends his vision of the American Left. Tight-Knit, Loose-LippedElizabeth Strout on her new novel, Abide With Me—a story of small-town gossip and a minister's unraveling. You Bet Your LifePoet Gail Mazur on Robert Lowell, "the textural richness of the ordinary," and the value of artistic community. Sniglets and Slithy TovesThe Atlantic's "Ms. Grammar" (aka Barbara Wallraff) talks about wordplay, recreational word coining, and her new book, Word Fugitives. Inside the House of CardsDespite recent riots in Baghdad, Robert Kaplan, the author of "The Coming Normalcy?", credits one U.S. military brigade with restoring order to Iraq's second-largest city. From Belfast With LoveMatthew Teague talks about "Double Blind," his extraordinary profile of a double agent who helped undermine the IRA. Terra IncognitaEssayist Rebecca Solnit, the author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost, discusses the art of falling off the map. Introverts of the World, Unite!A conversation with Jonathan Rauch, the Atlantic author who may have unwittingly touched off an Introverts' Rights revolution. Logging On For LoveThe author of this month's cover story talks about love and the new research that's being produced by Internet matchmaking services. Paper TrailAlice Quinn on the delicate task of piecing together the unfinished work of poet Elizabeth Bishop. Behind the Scenes at the VaticanPaul Elie, the author of "The Year of Two Popes," talks about Ratzinger's rise and his own extraordinary experiences researching the story. Master Among MenDoris Kearns Goodwin, the author of Team of Rivals, talks about Lincoln and the unlikely band of colleagues he rallied to his cause. Wired for Creationism?Paul Bloom, the author of "Is God an Accident," on why—ironically—belief in Intelligent Design may be an inherited trait. Warriors for GoodRobert Kaplan talks about his new book, Imperial Grunts, and his extensive time on the ground with the soldiers of the U.S. military. Bleak HouseRachel Cusk talks about her new novel, In the Fold, which explores the dark underside of a modern British fiefdom. The World in Which We LiveWilliam Langewiesche on nuclear proliferation—and why the U.S. is powerless to stop it. Commander in GriefJoshua Wolf Shenk on how melancholy both tore Abraham Lincoln apart and gave him strength. Zadie, Take ThreeThe author of White Teeth and The Autograph Man talks about her new comedy of manners-cum-campus novel and the pitfalls of literary celebrity. The Limits of ToleranceSalman Rushdie talks about his new novel, Shalimar the Clown, the Islamic moral universe, and the crushing of Kashmir. The Father of PalestineDavid Samuels, the author of "In a Ruined Country," on how Yasir Arafat conned the world and destroyed a nation. Aural ArgumentAdam Haslett talks about the rhythm of language, studying law, and "City Visit," his short story in the fiction issue. Clinton ReconsideredJohn Harris, the author of The Survivor, on why Clinton and his legacy will be debated for decades to come. The Art of the UnconsciousJoyce Carol Oates talks about modern science, the writing life, and "*BD* 11 1 86," her short story in the fiction issue. The Man Behind the StoriesC. Michael Curtis, The Atlantic Monthly's fiction editor, discusses short stories, discovering new writers, and his long tenure at the magazine. The Secret HistoryCaroline Elkins, the author of Imperial Reckoning, talks about unearthing the sinister underside of Britain's "civilizing" mission in Kenya. Managing ChinaRobert D. Kaplan looks ahead to the great military and diplomatic challenge of the twenty-first century. America in Foreign EyesBernard-Henri Lévy speaks with David Brooks about America—its patriotism, its religion, its ideology. Write What You LikeCurtis Sittenfeld, the author of Prep, on literary page-turners and the problem with too much cleverness. Myths and MetaphorsKazuo Ishiguro on Jane Austen, adapting his work for film, and his latest novel, Never Let Me Go Rebels Without a CauseJoseph Heath and Andrew Potter, the authors of Nation of Rebels, on how the myth of a counterculture derailed the political left. Parsing PutinPaul Starobin, the author of "The Accidental Autocrat," on the complex and inscrutable character of Russia's president. God and Man at HarvardRoss Douthat, the author of Privilege, talks about the social and academic realities of a Harvard education. The Clinton TrapChuck Todd, the author of "Clintonism, R.I.P.," on how Clinton's mystique harms the prospects of those seeking to run in his footsteps. The Contrarian in CombatChristopher Hitchens, the controversial author of Love, Poverty, and War, talks about Iraq, Mother Teresa, and his efforts to inconvenience Henry Kissinger. Fatal VisionRichard Clarke talks about his frightening scenario of an America hobbled by terrorism—and what we can do to avoid it. Poetry's ChairmanDana Gioia, who famously pronounced poetry moribund in 1991, now heralds its surprising comeback. Details, DetailsThe poet Thomas Lux talks about rendering the unruly stuff of life into metaphors that stick. Character Is ActionMargot Livesey talks about her new novel, Banishing Verona, and her commitment to writing literary page-turners. Gilead's BalmMarilynne Robinson talks about her long-awaited second novel and the holiness of the everyday. Into the Den of SpiesMark Bowden, the author of "Among the Hostage-Takers," speaks about the Iran hostage crisis of 1979 and its architects' present-day struggles with the Islamic regime. Iraq's Walled CityWilliam Langewiesche, the author of "The Green Zone," on the dangerous and ever-increasing isolation of the American presence in Baghdad. Imagined HomelandsChitra Divakaruni, author of Queen of Dreams, talks about the immigrant experience, magic realism, and incorporating 9/11 into her fiction. A Tragedy of ErrorsJames Fallows, the author of "Bush's Lost Year," describes the road to Iraq as a case study in "failed decision-making" Big Bad WolfJon T. Coleman, the author of Vicious, on the history of America's fraught relationship with its most storied predator. Crying in the Kitchen Over PrincetonAtlantic contributing editor Gregg Easterbrook on why the college-admissions process need not be a confidence-shattering ordeal. Onward and UpwardDavid Brooks, the author of On Paradise Drive, talks about the American creed, the dark side of hope, and life on the New York Times op-ed page. Councils of War"Anonymous," the CIA insider who wrote Imperial Hubris, argues that we must annihilate our Muslim enemies, while heeding their point of view. Veiled OptimismChristopher Buckley, the author of Florence of Arabia, talks about women's lib, exploding camels, and the making of the modern Middle East. A Conversation With Colin PowellColin Powell and P. J. O'Rourke discuss foreign policy, Volvos, Elvis, and more. The full transcript of an interview from the September 2004 Atlantic Stories to Break Our HeartsBret Anthony Johnston talks about the fiction of grief and loss, skateboarding, and choosing a hometown setting for his first collection of stories. Justice + Beauty = SublimeThe acclaimed poet Alice Fulton talks about Cascade Experiment, her new collection of poems, and why art must aim to be "fair"—in both senses of the word. SoccerworldFranklin Foer, the author of How Soccer Explains the World, on what soccer has to tell us about globalization, identity politics, and the future of baseball. Livin’ la Vida LobsterTrevor Corson, the author of The Secret Life of Lobsters, talks about fishing for lobsters, and the quirks of our favorite crustacean. The Status-ticianWhy do the successes of our peers drive us crazy? Alain de Botton, the author of Status Anxiety, explains. Grappling With Haiti’s BeastsEdwidge Danticat talks about reconnecting with her homeland—and coming to terms with its legacy of violence—through fiction. In the Line of FireJournalist Robert D. Kaplan joined U.S. Marines as they stormed Fallujah, and returned to share his impressions. Faraway VoicesPulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Olen Butler talks about tapping into different points of view and writing "from the place where you dream." From Toronto With LoveDavid Bezmozgis talks about his sudden literary success and his first collection of stories, a wry and intimate portrait of a Russian-Jewish immigrant family. Our Imperial ImperativeNiall Ferguson, the author of Colossus, laments the emasculation of American imperialism. The Universe Made SimpleBrian Greene, the author of The Fabric of the Cosmos, on opening readers' eyes to the hidden forces that govern our world. Where Did He Go Wrong?Geoffrey Wheatcroft, the author of "The Tragedy of Tony Blair," examines the British Prime Minister's dramatic downward spiral. Hookers, Guns, and MoneyDennis Lehane talks about Mystic River, Hollywood, and "fiction of mortal event" Islam’s InterpreterBernard Lewis talks about his seventy years spent studying the Middle East—and his thoughts on the region's future. A Modest (Marriage) ProposalJonathan Rauch talks about his quest to establish a middle ground in the gay-marriage debate. The Call to ServiceScott Stossel, the author of Sarge, talks about the life and legacy of Sargent Shriver. Inside the Dean CampaignHoward Dean's political pollster talks about the campaign's extraordinary rise and crashing fall. The Scourge of AgricultureRichard Manning argues that looking back to what "nature has already imagined" could be the solution for a world ravaged by farming. The Perpetual StrangerPaul Theroux talks about writing and traveling—and the liberation that both provide. The Lonely HistorianBenny Morris discusses the new version of his famously controversial book, The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem, which has left him alienated from both the left and the right. The Softer Side of AshcroftJeffrey Rosen, the author of "John Ashcroft's Permanent Campaign" (April Atlantic), argues that it is not social conservatism but a quest for popular approval that drives John Ashcroft's public life. The Thoughtful SoldierDouglas Brinkley, the author of Tour of Duty, on John Kerry's conflicted but heroic service in Vietnam. Getting Over RaceDebra Dickerson, the author of The End of Blackness, on why she thinks the African-American community needs to "grow up" The Mother's DilemmaCaitlin Flanagan on parenting, home life, and the morally troubling nature of the mother-nanny relationship. An Insidious EvilChristopher Browning, the author of The Origins of the Final Solution, explains how ordinary Germans came to accept as inevitable the extermination of the Jews. Let's Make a DealMatthew Miller, the author of The Two Percent Solution, talks about the promise of the political center and the life we might find there. Something Special in the WorldTracy Kidder, the author of Mountains Beyond Mountains, on Paul Farmer, a doctor who set out to make a difference. Weapons of MisperceptionKenneth M. Pollack, the author of "Spies, Lies, and Weapons: What Went Wrong," explains how the road to war with Iraq was paved with misleading and manipulated intelligence. Jazz, Flappers, and MagazinesThomas Mallon talks about his new novel, Bandbox—a madcap caper through the zany publishing world of 1920s New York. |
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