From Policy Review, the advantage to Islam of Mosque-State separation: What the American Founders can teach. From Quadrant, a look at why the recognition of complexity and uncertainty that has been the key to the success of the West. Missing the "right" babies: Christian-right activists look at falling birthrates among whites and rising Muslim immigration in Europe and warn of a looming "demographic winter". The New Barbarians: Local bloggers are shaking up the media and politics as usual. From Entertainment Weekly, a look at the successes and shortcomings of McSweeney's creator, Dave Eggers (and more on his inner circle). Have you seen the latest issue of Paranoia magazine? No? Well, that's not surprising, is it? A review of Fulgencio Batista: From Revolutionary to Strongman by Frank Argote-Freyre. Japan's historical and geographical isolation has created a unique culture, a society seemingly operating just slightly out of kilter. From TNR, Lewis Lapham's new journal is dedicated to providing historical perspectives that align perfectly with Lapham's own. An article on mythbusting Canadian health care (and part 2). From NYRB, a review of books on nuclear weapons, the greatest threat to us all. Family firms are important in business — so why, then, do dynasties fare so poorly in politics? More and more and more on Tim Harford's The Logic of Life.
