Yoni Appelbaum

Yoni Appelbaum is the deputy executive editor at The Atlantic and the author of Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. As a historian and journalist, Appelbaum brings deep insights to the intersections of history, politics, and culture, helping audiences understand the root causes of today’s most pressing social challenges.

As a keynote speaker, he combines sharp analysis with compelling storytelling, challenging audiences to rethink entrenched issues and explore solutions for a more equitable future.

In his illuminating debut, Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity, Appelbaum examines how restrictive policies—such as zoning laws and legal segregation—have stifled economic mobility in the U.S. Historically, Americans moved frequently in search of better opportunities, fueling social and economic progress. However, since the late 19th century, systemic barriers have made relocation increasingly difficult, exacerbating inequality, housing crises, and political divides. Appelbaum argues that reviving geographic mobility is key to restoring the American Dream.

Since 2015, Appelbaum has served as an editor at The Atlantic. His journey to the publication was unconventional—he first gained recognition as an insightful commenter on articles by national correspondent Ta-Nehisi Coates before being invited to contribute as a writer.

Before joining The Atlantic, Appelbaum taught history and literature at Harvard University and previously taught at Babson College and Brandeis University, where he earned his Ph.D. in American history.

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