Commentary

In-depth perspectives and critical analysis from faculty, editors, and readers on public affairs, higher education, and Harvard’s evolving mission.

An image of a hand drawing digital symbols related to a supply chain over a background of 1s and 0s representing artificial intelligence

How AI Is Reshaping Supply Chains

Harvard Kennedy School lecturer on using AI to strengthen supply chains

by Olivia Farrar

Letters from our readers

Climate change, COVID-19, housing inequity

Raising Voices

Saying things unsaid since October 7

Letters from our readers

Leadership crisis, Israel and Gaza, “Undergraduate” Insights

University Hall occupied by student protestors, April 9, 1969

Darker Days

The current disquiets compared to Harvard’s Vietnam-era traumas

by Primus VI

alt text here

AWOL from Academics

Behind students' increasing pull toward extracurriculars

by Aden Barton

View of Harvard University campus from the Charles River

Why Americans Love to Hate Harvard

The president emeritus on elite universities’ academic accomplishments—and a rising tide of antagonism

by Derek Bok

A Look in the Mirror

Challenges for Harvard governance and leadership

Cambridge 02138

The campus sundered, stem cell research, voting, and more

A conceptual illustration of a student seated in a classroom facing an imagined image of herself in a different environment with flowers and rocks

Is Pedagogy About Us?

Questioning the intellectual rigor of bringing identity into the classroom

by Isabella Cho

Cambridge 02138

Campus discourse, ethics education, affirmative action