Xan Smiley

Xan Smiley is editor at large for the Economist.

Can a racist also be a virtuous and great man? The case of Albert Schweitzer forces us to confront the question.

By Xan Smiley

February 14, 2023

Must Reads

Politics

It is a mistake to see Trump only as a political leader. In 2024, he is also a cult for Evangelicals who no longer want to be Christians.

Thomas Geoghegan

April 8, 2024

Religion

“My divorce was final fifteen years ago. But the Catholic Church, to which I’m a recent convert, considers me still married.”

Beverly Willett

April 10, 2024

Culture

Canceling my landline felt like sacrificing a connection to the past—for the sake of economy and “progress.”

Sharon Mesmer

April 16, 2024

Books

Alice McDermott has a rare ability to render how we actually think.

Anthony Domestico

February 9, 2024

Collections

A collection of Commonweal's writings on the Israel-Palestine conflict since 2009

The Editors

November 14, 2023