While more than 20 European countries have reopened schools, America seems unable even to approach the problem rationally.
Paul Starr
Paul Starr is co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect, and professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University. A winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction and the Bancroft Prize in American history, he is the author of eight books, including American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now (Yale University Press, October 2025).
Do Churchgoers Have a Right to Risk Infection?
While the White House tries to roll back rules on religious gatherings, the Supreme Court reaffirms the public-health powers of the states.
When Churches Are Superspreaders
Trump wants an immediate return to in-person worship. His own supporters have the most to lose.
The Post-Corona World
Prospect editors look beyond the horizon at what the aftermath of the crisis will yield.
Post-Pandemic America
Will the pandemic reinforce—perhaps even accelerate—the ugly tendencies of our time? Or will it be a turning point?
The Coming Division of Societies Into Stay-at-Home and Safe-to-Work Populations
We need to start thinking about how we get out of today’s social and economic shutdown.
How Fear of Bernie Sanders Has Driven the Great Consolidation in the Democratic Race
Voters didn’t suddenly discover a passion for Biden.
How Money Now Tries to Bury the Truth
One lesson of the Harvey Weinstein case: Limiting nondisclosure agreements and other means of concealment ought to be a priority for reform.
How Bloomberg and Sanders Could Decide the Democratic Race
Neither will win the nomination, but by accumulating delegates one of them may determine who does.

