Isaac Chotiner
Isaac Chotiner is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where he is the principal contributor to Q. & A., a series of interviews with public figures in politics, media, books, business, technology, and more. Before joining The New Yorker, Chotiner was a staff writer at Slate and the host of the podcast “I Have to Ask.” He has written for The New Yorker, the Times, The Atlantic, the Times Literary Supplement, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. After graduating from the University of California, Davis, Chotiner worked at The Washington Monthly before joining The New Republic, in 2006, as a reporter-researcher. He went on to run the magazine’s online books section and later became a senior editor.
Will the Judge in Trump’s Case Recuse Herself—or Be Forced To?
Federal law requires a judge to step away from a case in which her impartiality “might reasonably be questioned.”
Why the Supreme Court Declined an Opportunity to Diminish the Voting Rights Act
The decision regarding Alabama’s redistricting process may well result in greater representation for Black voters in other states.
The Legal Dynamics of Trump’s Second Indictment
The case, which concerns the former President’s handling of classified documents, raises complicated questions about intent and national security.
Ted Koppel on Covering—and Befriending—Henry Kissinger
Did the veteran newscaster give Kissinger a pass on his hundredth birthday?
Why Masha Gessen Resigned from the PEN America Board
A conversation about balancing free-speech commitments in an era of war.
Why the Pro-Life Movement Can’t Quit Trump
The former President is less committed than the other 2024 G.O.P. front-runners on the subject of abortion. Shouldn’t advocates of tighter restrictions be jumping ship?
Why Erdoğan Prevailed in a Battle of Competing Turkish Nationalisms
As the country heads to a Presidential runoff, will the aftermath of a devastating earthquake hold more sway than old narratives of grievance?
Why Russian Élites Think Putin’s War Is Doomed to Fail
Rival factions are jockeying for power as the country navigates a crisis with no clear way out.
Is It Sexist to Want Dianne Feinstein to Retire?
Debbie Stabenow, a Democratic colleague in the Senate, sees a double standard at work.
Why Trump Is Beating DeSantis Among D.C. Republicans
A G.O.P. congressman discusses the Florida governor’s “electability” problems.
The Failed “Coup-Proofing” Behind the Recent Violence in Sudan
Fighting has erupted among the armed factions that deposed the country’s dictator and promised to make a democracy. What caused relations between the previously allied groups to fall apart?
Is the Trump Indictment a “Legal Embarrassment”?
Analysts have argued that the case, which was put down by previous prosecutors, sets a dangerous precedent in American politics. That might be naïve.
The Disastrous Potential of the Texas Abortion-Pill Ruling
A nationwide ban on mifepristone would further erode doctors’ ability to provide—or learn how to provide—lifesaving care.
What Israel’s Crisis Reveals About Its Democratic Compromises
Amid widespread protests, the Prime Minister has halted a package of illiberal reforms. What are the roots of his effort—and of its rejection?
Has Modi Pushed Indian Democracy Past Its Breaking Point?
With the media and judiciary already under attack, the Prime Minister’s main opponent was just banned from Parliament.
The Regulatory Breakdown Behind the Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank
For more than a year, the Fed knew that the bank was headed toward a crisis. Why didn’t it intervene sooner?
Why Barney Frank Went to Work for Signature Bank
The former congressman, who overhauled financial regulation after the 2008 crisis, sits on the board of a bank that was just seized by the government. What happened?
What the Saudi-Iran Deal Means for the Middle East
Brokered by China, the agreement between the two regional rivals reflects shifting economic—and ideological—alignments.
The Future of Palestinian Politics
Will mounting frustration with the status quo—and with Israel’s new extremist government—be the end of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority?
The Origins of Netanyahu’s “All-Systems Assault” on Israeli Democracy
A new coalition has brought extremist politics into the mainstream, but undemocratic strains go back to the country’s founding.
Will the Judge in Trump’s Case Recuse Herself—or Be Forced To?
Federal law requires a judge to step away from a case in which her impartiality “might reasonably be questioned.”
Why the Supreme Court Declined an Opportunity to Diminish the Voting Rights Act
The decision regarding Alabama’s redistricting process may well result in greater representation for Black voters in other states.
The Legal Dynamics of Trump’s Second Indictment
The case, which concerns the former President’s handling of classified documents, raises complicated questions about intent and national security.
Ted Koppel on Covering—and Befriending—Henry Kissinger
Did the veteran newscaster give Kissinger a pass on his hundredth birthday?
Why Masha Gessen Resigned from the PEN America Board
A conversation about balancing free-speech commitments in an era of war.
Why the Pro-Life Movement Can’t Quit Trump
The former President is less committed than the other 2024 G.O.P. front-runners on the subject of abortion. Shouldn’t advocates of tighter restrictions be jumping ship?
Why Erdoğan Prevailed in a Battle of Competing Turkish Nationalisms
As the country heads to a Presidential runoff, will the aftermath of a devastating earthquake hold more sway than old narratives of grievance?
Why Russian Élites Think Putin’s War Is Doomed to Fail
Rival factions are jockeying for power as the country navigates a crisis with no clear way out.
Is It Sexist to Want Dianne Feinstein to Retire?
Debbie Stabenow, a Democratic colleague in the Senate, sees a double standard at work.
Why Trump Is Beating DeSantis Among D.C. Republicans
A G.O.P. congressman discusses the Florida governor’s “electability” problems.
The Failed “Coup-Proofing” Behind the Recent Violence in Sudan
Fighting has erupted among the armed factions that deposed the country’s dictator and promised to make a democracy. What caused relations between the previously allied groups to fall apart?
Is the Trump Indictment a “Legal Embarrassment”?
Analysts have argued that the case, which was put down by previous prosecutors, sets a dangerous precedent in American politics. That might be naïve.
The Disastrous Potential of the Texas Abortion-Pill Ruling
A nationwide ban on mifepristone would further erode doctors’ ability to provide—or learn how to provide—lifesaving care.
What Israel’s Crisis Reveals About Its Democratic Compromises
Amid widespread protests, the Prime Minister has halted a package of illiberal reforms. What are the roots of his effort—and of its rejection?
Has Modi Pushed Indian Democracy Past Its Breaking Point?
With the media and judiciary already under attack, the Prime Minister’s main opponent was just banned from Parliament.
The Regulatory Breakdown Behind the Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank
For more than a year, the Fed knew that the bank was headed toward a crisis. Why didn’t it intervene sooner?
Why Barney Frank Went to Work for Signature Bank
The former congressman, who overhauled financial regulation after the 2008 crisis, sits on the board of a bank that was just seized by the government. What happened?
What the Saudi-Iran Deal Means for the Middle East
Brokered by China, the agreement between the two regional rivals reflects shifting economic—and ideological—alignments.
The Future of Palestinian Politics
Will mounting frustration with the status quo—and with Israel’s new extremist government—be the end of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority?
The Origins of Netanyahu’s “All-Systems Assault” on Israeli Democracy
A new coalition has brought extremist politics into the mainstream, but undemocratic strains go back to the country’s founding.