Alex Gendler

The end of the American penny?

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting the penny, whose cost to make exceeds its 1-cent value. But despite ongoing efforts to abolish it since the 1990s, the penny has had remarkable staying power. VOA explains.

Greenland and Afghanistan: Frontiers in race for critical minerals

Countries have little in common, but both have large untapped mineral deposits

Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson: A populist legacy revisited

U.S. President Donald Trump often cites Andrew Jackson as a source of inspiration. There are striking parallels between the two presidents — in their governing styles, populist messaging and shared defiance of political elites. Here's how the two presidents compare and why the connection matters.

Why the Arctic matters in the 21st century

Sparsely populated and largely impassable, areas within the Arctic Circle are nevertheless becoming one of the most important strategic zones for global powers

Executive orders: The presidential power

The U.S. government consists of three branches designed to keep each other in check, with Congress responsible for passing legislation. But presidents have some power to unilaterally direct government policy by using executive orders.

Elon Musk and the legacy of moguls in American politics

Musk’s purchase of Twitter and influence in Trump administration harks back to an era of wealthy moguls at the forefront of American political life

Comparing America’s biggest immigration waves

The first three years of the Biden administration saw an immigration surge at a level last seen in the 1850s. How did that historical wave of immigration differ from today's, and what lessons does it hold?

Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential legacy

Though he once held the most powerful position in the world, Jimmy Carter may be better remembered for his work after leaving office

What Assad's ouster means for the Middle East

The fall of the Syrian president's government after more than a decade of civil war will have major implications for the region

In 2024, voters’ discontent with incumbents meant opting for change

Ruling parties often have an advantage in elections. But in history's biggest election year so far, incumbents of all political stripes found that presiding over a period of economic inflation carries a heavy price at the ballot box.

Who controls Syria after Assad?

Rapid collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government has left both Syrians and foreign observers wondering who will fill the vacuum and what comes next

Russia’s influence in Syria faces uncertain future

With a naval base in Tartus and an airbase near Latakia, Russia was the main source of military support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. With Assad deposed and granted asylum in Moscow, Russia’s regional influence may be greatly diminished.

What does Harris mean by an opportunity economy?

Understanding Trump's tariff policy

Are Trump’s tariffs a radical departure from the economic consensus, or business as usual?

Fewer Americans trust the news; the question is why

What explains the decline, and what does it mean for democracy?

Do prediction markets have a future in US elections?

Prediction markets for American elections have been growing despite their legal and regulatory issues. How do they work, and what is their appeal?

War in Gaza: A year at war

Why are politicians called lame ducks?

Joe Biden is said to be entering the lame-duck period of his presidency, but what does that mean?

Diplomatic partnerships: What do they mean?

Countries regularly announce creation of such partnerships, but meanings are not clearly defined

What would Harris do differently?

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have worked closely together — but what distinguishes them politically?