[John J. Mearsheimer, Why Leaders Lie: The Truth about Lying in International Politics, Oxford University Press, 2011]

The word “interest” has two meanings in economic analysis. In a broad sense, it means the difference between the revenues of an activity and all the costs related to that same activity. This corresponds roughly to what in everyday language is meant by profit. Adam Smith and classical economists had indeed spoken of profit rather than interest when they spoke of the said difference. On the other hand, in the narrow sense, the word interest means the remuneration for a loan of money.

The period from 1765 to 1776 witnessed escalating political, constitutional, and military tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies. Much of the relevant history of this period can be read in Patrick Newman’s Cronyism, especially “The Path to American Independence” and “The American Revolutionary War: The Triumph of Liberty.”

[The Rise and Fall of Rational Control: The History of Modern Political Philosophy by Harvey C. Mansfield. (Harvard University Press, 2025; xi + 324 pp.)]

Jean-Luc Mélenchon—the leader of the French far-left party “La France Insoumise”—wants to minimize concerns that the French government debt is very high at more than 100 percent of GDP. Such fears undermine his calls for higher government spending and chances to win the 2027 presidential elections. He has always looked enthusiastically for ways to lower public debt, even if only by accounting gimmicks. In 2020 as member of the French Parliament, Mr.

As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Americans will celebrate the nation’s founding with pageantry, parades, pomp and patriotism.

Loving one’s country of birth and taking pride in its independence-inspired origins, praiseworthy accomplishments, and laudable legacy is a natural inclination and respectable trait.