On 4 July 1776 the United States declared its independence from the greatest empire on earth. For 250 years Americans have celebrated that act of rebellion. The United States likes to think of itself as the country that threw off colonial rule, rejected empire and built something entirely new. The latest anniversary falls during the … Read more
When SpaceX’s share price fell last week, Elon Musk lost another vast slice of his fortune. That hardly qualifies as a national tragedy. But it is a reminder that one of the richest men in history owes much of his wealth to a company routinely presented as the ultimate triumph of private enterprise. The reality … Read more
A decade ago, the United States looked like it owned the future of electric vehicles. Tesla had redefined what an electric car could be. The technology, the brand, the cultural momentum—all American. With early policy support under Barack Obama, the US had both the innovation and the initial market lead. And yet, today, the centre … Read more