Commentary

Across Civitas Outlook and the broader media landscape, our scholars provide timely insights into issues of national significance.

Downtowns are dying, but we know how to save them

Even those who yearn to visit or live in a walkable, dense neighborhood are not going to flock to a place surrounded by a grim urban dystopia.

Economic Dynamism
Feb 3, 2026
There's a Perception Gap With the U.S. Economy

As we approach another election cycle, it’s worth asking: what’s real, what’s political theater, and what does it all mean if Democrats regain control of the House?

Charity-Joy Acchiardo & G. Dirk Mateer
Politics
Feb 2, 2026
International Law Is Holding Democracies Back

The United States should use this moment to argue for a different approach to the rules of war.

Politics
Jan 25, 2026
Trump purged America’s Leftist toxins. Now hubris will be his downfall

From ending DEI madness and net zero to securing the border, he’ll leave the US stronger. But his excesses are inciting a Left-wing backlash

Politics
Jan 24, 2026
California’s wealth tax tests the limits of progressive politics
Politics
Jan 20, 2026
The end of green energy
Politics
Jan 13, 2026
The Housing Crisis
Economic Dynamism
Jan 8, 2026
Joel Kotkin: Trump aside, Canada and the U.S. need to co-operate
Politics
Jan 7, 2026
Can social democracy save capitalism — again?
Politics
Jan 6, 2026
California’s Next Governor Might Be More Irresponsible Than Newsom
Politics
Jan 5, 2026
All commentary
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Trump’s Factory Revival Is Happening
Joel Kotkin
Economic Dynamism
Sep 4, 2025
Why Trump’s ‘Emergency’ Tariffs Won’t Fly
John Yoo
Constitutionalism
Sep 2, 2025
Stanford’s Graduate Student Union Tries to Stifle Dissent
Jonathan Hartley
Pursuit of Happiness
Aug 29, 2025
The 529 Education Revolution Is Here
Michael Toth, Dan Lips
Pursuit of Happiness
Aug 28, 2025
Do We Still Really Need the Bureau of Labor Statistics?
G. Dirk Mateer
Economic Dynamism
Aug 27, 2025
The Next Californias
Joel Kotkin
Pursuit of Happiness
Aug 25, 2025
Other

Content

The War on Disruption

The only way we can challenge stagnation is by attacking the underlying narratives. What today’s societies need is a celebration of messiness.

Economic Dynamism
Feb 9, 2026
Unlocking Public Value: A Proposal for AI Opportunity Zones

Governments often regulate AI’s risks without measuring its rewards—AI Opportunity Zones would flip the script by granting public institutions open access to advanced systems in exchange for transparent, real-world testing that proves their value on society’s toughest challenges.

Economic Dynamism
Feb 4, 2026
The Rise of Latino America

In The Rise of Latino America, Hernandez & Kotkin argue that Latinos, who are projected to become America’s largest ethnic group, are a dynamic force shaping the nation’s demographic, economic, and cultural future. Far from being a marginalized group defined by oppression, Latinos are integral to America’s story. They drive economic growth, cultural evolution, and workforce vitality. Challenges, however, including poverty, educational disparities, and restrictive policies, threaten their upward mobility. Policymakers who wish to harness Latino potential to ensure national prosperity and resilience should adopt policies that prioritize affordability, safety, and economic opportunity over ideological constraints.

Joel Kotkin, Jennifer Hernandez, Wendell Cox, Marshall Toplansky, Erika Ozuna
Pursuit of Happiness
Nov 10, 2025
Amicus Brief: Hon. William P. Barr and Hon. Michael B. Mukasey in Support of Petitioners

Former AGs Barr and Mukasey Cite Civitas in a SCOTUS Brief

Michael Toth
Constitutionalism
Sep 22, 2025
Revival: Americans Heading Back to the Hinterlands

Smaller communities throughout the country are poised to play an outsize role in forging our future.

Joel Kotkin, Wendell Cox
Pursuit of Happiness
Sep 19, 2025
Rational Judicial Review: Constitutions as Power-sharing Agreements, Secession, and the Problem of Dred Scott

Judicial review and originalism serve as valuable commitment mechanisms to enforce future compliance with a political bargain.

John Yoo
Constitutionalism
Sep 15, 2025
Amicus Brief: Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish

Civitas Research Fellow Michael Toth's work was cited in a Supreme Court brief.‍

Michael Toth
Constitutionalism
Sep 11, 2025

The Libertarian

The inimitable Richard Epstein offers his unique perspective on national developments in public policy and the law.

View all
** items

Law Talk

Welcome to Law Talk with Richard Epstein and John Yoo. Our show is hosted by Charles C. W. Cooke.

View all
** items

Peter Robinson Unbridled

A new show and podcast bringing the energy of Austin to wide-ranging conversations on politics, economics, education, and culture.

View all
** items

The Three Whiskey Happy Hour

Steven Hayward brings you the Power Line Blog's perspective on the week's big headlines.

View all
** items

Federal law under the Constitution is always 'supreme'

Constitutionalism
Sept 15, 24
5:38

18% Poverty Rate in the World's 4th Largest Economy | Joel Kotkin

Economic Dynamism
Sept 15, 24
19:46

Legal expert explains why Supreme Court is holding back on Trump tariffs

Constitutionalism
Sept 15, 24
3:52

John Yoo urges Supreme Court to ‘let democracy work’ in trans athlete case

Politics
Sept 15, 24
6:25

Supreme Court to hear cases involving trans athletes

Constitutionalism
Sept 15, 24
3:55
Join the newsletter

Get the Civitas Outlook daily digest, plus new research and events.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.