Perspective

The Perspective section of Charlatan Magazine features long-form essays and analysis on politics, global affairs, technology, economics, and culture. Our reporting examines the forces shaping the modern world—from artificial intelligence and labor markets to war, governance, and social change. Through investigative commentary and interdisciplinary analysis, Perspective connects policy, history, and human behavior to explain not just what is happening—but why it matters.

The Fix

March Madness 2026

A transnational betting scheme shadowed the NCAA's Money Madness. Charlatan follows the fixers to an offer the institution declined to make, and to the women and champions making the case that “It Just Means More.”

A.I. Afterlife

America’s Funeral Home Industry

Corporations are converting family owned funeral homes into A.I. transactions. Charlatan follows the old guard to the new Ambassadors to the Afterlife.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin walks with China's President Xi Jinping and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un

The Thucydides Trap

Ruling Nation, Rising Power

As the U.S. government pass their beggar’s bowl petrodollars flow. Charlatan follows those making a killing on the Iran War.

Holy Week 2026

Passion Week

It’s an 8-day metaphor for sacrifice, redemption and renewal. Charlatan follows 2026 from earth to heaven and hell.

The Silent Majority

K.G.M. v. Meta et. al.

Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are in the dock for product liability, negligence, and a failure to warn. Charlatan follows free speech and passive scrolling to a theatrical performance of our lives.

The Year Ahead, 2026

The New World

When 1.5 trillion in market speculations burst stocks plunge. Charlatan watches Artificial General Intelligence both blowing bubbles and breaking the surface of a New World.

Chasing the Light

Daylight Savings Time

Politics and science collide with solar time, circadian rhythms, and the end of summertime.

Face Card

NBA Sports Gambling Scandal

Are NBA players and coaches fixing and rigging the games? Charlatan follows legalized sports betting to the courts, and the first inductions into the Hall of Shame.

Blowback

The Epstein Files

It’s an article of faith online that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked sex workers to politicians, celebrities, and powerbrokers who ultimately silenced him. Charlatan follows the conspiracy to the graveyard of political pretenders

Hand of God

Flash Flood Alley

They were back-to-back 1-in-1,000 year rainfall events. Charlatan follows the science to a higher power, authority, and hand in human affairs.

Mind Over Matter

The Promise of Alzheimers

Is it possible to recharge your memory? Charlatan invites modern science to prove its mettle, but cautions drinking the water.

Holy Week 2025

Easter Week

A strong entrance requires both timing and taming a jackass.

Hydroclimate Whiplash

Extreme Weather 2025

In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are consequences.

The Radical Kings

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Martin Luther King and the American Dream collide on Inauguration Day.

Forget Me Not

Dementia 2025

They’re 50+ million people in the world with dementia, and most seem to follow a similar path. Charlatan explores why lonliness is the principal driver of memory loss.

2025

The Year Ahead

Say goodbye to repetitive administrative tasks and jobs, and hello to the autonomous work force. Charlatan follows the first release of Agentic AI.

Death and Taxes

People v. Trump

He's the only U.S. President ever to be convicted of a felony. Charlatan examines the People of New York v. Trump.

Punish the Parent

Parental Responsiblity Law

New laws are leading to incarceration for some American parents. Charlatan examines why new laws are holding parents criminally liable for their children's actions.

Holy Week 2024

Easter Week

A strong entrance requires both timing and taming a jackass.

The Great Good Place

Third Places

The search for a civil society exists somewhere beyond the cash nexus.

Blacklisted

Facial Identification Software

Face identification software is quick to justice, but things aren't always what they seem.

True Threats

Cyberstalking and Law

Post what you like; as much as you please; Americans call it Freedom of Speech.

Anthropocene

Extreme Weather 2024

If you stare into the Abyss long enough the Abyss stares back at you.

Coming of Age

Ageism

At 81, Pinup Girl Martha Stewart is stirring perceptions about Age Bias.

Hot Spot Police

Predictive Policing Software

The best way to predict a crime is to create it.

All That's Good

Covenant School Masacure

Peace isn't an abstract goal. It's a day to day journey by which we arrive at a goal.

Gun Fight

School Shootings

School shootings aren't the problem. They’re a consequence and foregone conclusion of a problem.

Main Street USA

Main Street, USA

They’re the shops of retailing, socializing, and a gathering place of growing concerns.

CHARLATAN

The Exposé of Politics & Style