January 11, 2026 - Karen Greenberg | Mohsen Milani | Alfred McCoy

Karen Greenberg's "Subtle Tools" examines the erosion of American democracy through the lens of the War on Terror and the Trump presidency. The book meticulously details the gradual dismantling of democratic norms and institutions, highlighting the interplay between national security policies and political power. Greenberg analyzes the use of surveillance, executive power expansion, and the manipulation of information to undermine democratic processes. The work serves as a critical examination of the threats to democratic governance in the modern era, offering insights into the fragility of democratic systems. It's a crucial read for anyone concerned about the future of democracy.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.