Tessera

Nelson Mandela once said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." That's the standard for an open society. On Mandela Day, we recommit to it.

Honored to speak with Melanie Joly about trade and geopolitics in Nova Scotia — my first time here. Good conversation on what it means to be a strong neighbor and ally.

Patriotism isn't an end, it's a beginning — "a determination to build what should be." Couldn't agree more with Laleh Ispahani as we head into America's 250th. Worth reading in full:

What Patriotism and Loving My Country Means This July 4th

250 years on, America’s promise lives in our actions toward bettering our country and supporting one another.

contrariannews.org

Paradoxes loom. But the moment we decide that a new generation does not have within it the ability to shape the world it lives in — to shape the future — that is the true enemy of open society. So let us not be apathetic. The future is still yours to shape. Congrats, class of 2026!

It was my honor to speak at CEU commencement, an institution my father founded for those emerging from behind the Iron Curtain. Today, as then, progress is neither linear nor guaranteed. Open societies must be carried forward by each generation. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Happy Father’s Day to the GOAT! 🐐

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom in America has always been hard-won and never guaranteed. Today we celebrate Black resilience and achievement, and recommit ourselves to the work of equal justice.

My piece in the NY Daily News: why this Knicks team may be the most loved in New York City history. https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/06/18/new-yorks-love-affair-with-the-knicks/

New York’s love affair with the Knicks

It’s tempting to make overconfident assertions after the rush of a title. Too rash to say the Knicks could have taken any of the last five NBA champions; too soon to call Jalen Brunson the greatest Kn...

nydailynews.com

I’ve never seen the greatest city in the world like this. It must be said: no other sport and no other New York team can bring the city together like this. 🏀🍎🗽 🧡💙

Eastern conference champion New York Knicks! 4 more to go! Greatest fans in sports belong to the NY Knicks! 🏀🏆🔥🧹🧹

Today we remember those who gave everything in service to this country. Grateful for their sacrifice — and for the democracy they gave their lives defending. 🇺🇸🙏🗽

In the U.S., the rule of law is under attack, rights are being rolled back, and too many families cannot afford the basics. Today, @OpenSociety is responding by investing $300M to defend freedoms, advance rights, and create economic opportunity, all of which are critical to protect democracy.

George Soros’ foundations pledge $300M for US democracy amid attacks on nonprofits

George Soros’ Open Society Foundations pledged $300 million Wednesday to initiatives it says will defend democratic rights and advance economic security in the U.S. over the next five years.

apnews.com

Open Society Foundations@open-society.bsky.social · 4mo ago

@opensociety.bsky.social is investing $300 million so all Americans can have the freedom and opportunity to live the American dream. 🇺🇸🗽

We’re doubling down on our work in the United States with a $300 million investment to expand rights, foster economic dignity, and rebuild our democracy.

Open Society Foundations @open-society.bsky.social · 4mo ago

We are proud to announce a bold new $300 million effort to improve the daily lives of Americans and stand up for the rule of law while freedoms under attack across the United States as we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the republic.

$300 Million to Advance Economic Security and Defend Civil Liberties in the U.S.

These new investments aim to:
✅ Defend Civil Liberties Under Attack
✅ Stand for the Rule of Law
✅ Expand Civil Rights
✅ Create Economic Opportunity
For ALL Americans.

This is important context for a potential 2026 blue wave — one driven by non-white and younger Americans (also thanks to Trump's gains with some of these groups in 2024). But we may be seeing a reversion to 2020 — or even pre-2020 — numbers, particularly if these trends continue! 🌊

This is consistent with what we find in our surveys too. It's an apocalyptic 2026 environment for Republicans (our "definitely/probably voting" metrics were D+10 a month ago), but one driven by young, hispanic, and nonwhite voters rather than whites/white college voters.

One of the greatest things you’ll read on Europe and this geo-political moment! Superb piece of work by Ivan Krastev!

Orban’s Fall and Europe’s Rise

The dawn of a strange new European consensus.

foreignaffairs.com

Great to be back at Impact CEE in Poznań, Poland to discuss the future of democracy — particularly given developments in the U.S. and Hungary — and reconnect with so many friends, colleagues, and people I admire!

Proud to announce that today, we’re pushing back against this abhorrent rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate and violence.

Soros' Open Society Foundations commit $30M to groups fighting antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate

Open Society Foundations, the family philanthropy founded by hedge fund billionaire George Soros, is putting $30 million toward groups fighting antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate.

apnews.com

My father has been the target of antisemitism his whole life. It has only strengthened our resolve to stand against all forms of hate. Proud that @opensocietybr.bsky.social is making a $30 million investment to build trust and solidarity across communities and keep people of all faiths safe.

Open Society Foundations@open-society.bsky.social · 4mo ago

🇺🇸🗽

We are living through a broader moment that demands we name what we are seeing. The organizations and institutions that protect our democracy are under sustained and coordinated pressure.

We Stand in Solidarity with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Civil Rights Movement

“There is a documented pattern of the federal government threatening nonprofit organizations, law firms, and even public servants who disagree with the current administration, a pattern that courts have rebuked repeatedly ... We will not back down from the defense of our most vital freedoms.”

Grateful to celebrate two amazing mothers this Mother’s Day. ❤️

Congrats to Maher Bitar! 💪 🇺🇸

Scoop: Dems' foreign policy group prepping for 2028

It aims to help potential presidential candidates and address party divisions.

axios.com

Today’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais has gutted a key part of the Voting Rights Act and erased decades of protection. Roe showed us what happens when our rights rest on judicial goodwill. We can't allow voting rights to suffer on the same foundation.

MeidasTouch@meidastouch.com · 4mo ago

The Supreme Court just made it easier to draw minority voters out of power. That's what today's ruling does. Kagan said Section 2 is now "all but a dead letter." She's right. States can gerrymander by race as long as they call it partisanship, and the Court handed them the playbook to do so.

NEWS: In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court has struck down Louisiana’s congressional map that added a second majority-Black district, ruling it unconstitutional as a racial gerrymander. The opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, narrows how the Voting Rights Act is interpreted moving forward.