Trump Begins Buildup of U.S. Naval Forces Outside Venezuela, but Many Remain Skeptical

President Nicolás Maduro said Venezuela would not back down while facing a U.S. naval buildup. But many in the country doubt a confrontation will come at all.

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Trump’s Attempt to Make Museums Submit Feels Familiar

MAGA would fill museums with self-glorifying kitsch, the aesthetic lingua franca of all authoritarians.

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Trump’s Cultural Revolution Is Just Getting Started

Art can be effective at illuminating and healing only if it is unconstrained by authority.

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Ion Iliescu, Who Steered Romania After Revolution, Dies at 95

As a three-term as president, he guided the country toward democracy, but he was called an authoritarian at heart and accused of brutality during the revolt that put him in power.

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El Salvador’s Leader Is Autocrat to Some, Godsend to Others

Lawmakers approved constitutional changes abolishing term limits and allowing President Nayib Bukele to stay in power indefinitely. Why now?

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Trump Relishes Troops in American Streets While Shunning Conflict Overseas

The seemingly disparate postures of recent days speak to the president’s complicated relationship with the military.

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U.S. Urges Americans to Steer Clear of Nicaragua

Despite a flurry of positive reports in the travel press, U.S. officials say Americans should avoid Nicaragua because it’s an authoritarian regime.

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This French Senator Has Become Trump’s European Nemesis

In biting verbal assaults viewed by millions, Claude Malhuret has issued a scathing critique of the American president, bringing a lifetime of experience to bear.

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Trump’s Battle With Harvard Is Familiar to a University the Right Forced into Exile

A school founded by George Soros fled Hungary after it was targeted by an authoritarian leader. Academics at the school say President Trump is using a similar playbook against Harvard.

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Trump’s Visit Makes a Splash in Saudi Arabia

Many Saudis say they are big fans of President Trump, calling him a “straight shooter” who shares their values. Others were not impressed.

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