Archive - Shadi Hamid's Notebook

Against Self-Optimization

What if we're doing New Year's resolutions all wrong?

Jan 14 •

December 2024

Between justice and my mother, I choose my mother

On President Biden's very understandable pardon of his sole surviving son.

Dec 2, 2024 •

November 2024

The Case for 'Democratic Minimalism'

Liberalism may not be appropriate in Muslim-majority contexts. But I still believe that a minimalistic conception of democracy would be.

Nov 23, 2024 •

Ancient spiritual insights for modern political grief

Religion, at its core, is about befriending reality rather than resisting it

Nov 18, 2024 •

Two 'Contrarian' Thoughts on the Election

I'm steeling myself for a Trump victory tonight, but I very much hope I'm wrong.

Nov 5, 2024 •

October 2024

If this is an 'existential' election, why aren't people acting liking it?

The final weeks and days of campaigning seem oddly subdued in light of the stakes.

Oct 31, 2024 •

Arab voters are not emotionless automatons and neither are you

Politics is supposed to be emotional. The Harris campaign neglects that at their own peril.

Oct 24, 2024 •

On Unmet Aspirations and Revealed Preferences

In other words, why don't I have kids?

Oct 22, 2024 •

August 2024

Why do Arabs and Muslims Care So Much About Gaza?

It might seem like a mystery, at first.

Aug 9, 2024 •

July 2024

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