The Roots of Recession
As an energy shock looms, a new book reframes recession as the product of historical circumstance, not cyclical inevitability.
Joel Kotkin
Presidential fellow at Chapman University and author on urban demographics and political economy.
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40 articles
The Housing Crisis Is Destroying Homeownership—and Undermining Democracy
Escalating house prices and density rules trap young people in renting, eroding homeownership—a key to democracy.
The Housing Crisis
Soaring housing costs are driving young people towards socialism—only dispersed development and expanded property ownership can preserve liberal democracy.
Why Housing Is Becoming Neo-Feudal: The Collapse of Home Ownership
Why are households struggling to buy homes in advanced economies, and what does the erosion of ownership mean for inequality, family formation, and the resilience of liberal democracy?
The Masses and the Market
If liberalism is to recover it must find a way to create the conditions for a better future.
The Changing Politics of Oligarchy
Liberal democracies need to restore a climate of entrepreneurial opportunity and competition.
The Return of Realpolitik
Some leaders in Europe may resist a new alliance with Trump’s America, but in a world dominated by bullies, sharp elbows and unpredictability may be what the times demand.
The Puzzle of Generational Politics
Disenchantment is leading younger generations to embrace a politics marked by anger and alienation.
The Road to Neo-Feudalism
Western societies stand on the brink of a great reversion towards a demographically and economically stagnant society reminiscent of the Dark Ages.
Cosmopolis or Bust?
In order to function, a cosmopolis must embrace both toleration and the rule of law.
History Matters
A restoration of history, in all its complexity, is critical to escaping the polarized, rigid, and often insane political environment we now inhabit.
Race and State
The emerging racial state promises no real progress for most minorities while deepening ethnic divides and undermining the basis for democratic self-rule.