Alawites have become a community besieged, set to be excluded — if not persecuted — by the Sunni political class now in ascendance.

Ultimately, Donald Trump and MAGA’s repeat ascendance to power reflects how American democracy and society in 2025 exist in a state of competitive authoritarianism and what is, in many ways, a shambling corpse.

After a period when solo artists were in the ascendance, this year's longlist has a healthy showing for bands, who occupy five of the 11 spots.

I also recognize that Trump’s political ascendance erased every informational norm, including how the audience follows politics.

All these efforts to prevent or reverse female ascendance are certain to fail, and also completely unnecessary.