Writings & Analysis
Law • Governance • History • Institutions
Essays and long-form analysis on law, governance, American and world history, national security, and institutional accountability.
A Showcase of Charlton's Written Works
A Crown of Stone and Gold: Cologne Cathedral and the Making of a Gothic Masterpiece (RealClearReligion)
March 6, 2026
An exploration of the history, architecture, and enduring symbolism of Cologne Cathedral—from the arrival of the relics of the Three Kings in 1164 to the Gothic innovations that made one of Europe’s most extraordinary monuments possible. The essay examines the cathedral’s centuries-long construction, the engineering and craftsmanship behind Gothic architecture, and the enduring role of faith, pilgrimage, and historical memory in shaping one of the great sacred structures of the medieval world.
Read here:
RealClearReligion – A Crown of Stone and Gold
George Washington: The Indispensable Man
RealClearHistory, February 16, 2026
A reflection on George Washington’s role in shaping the presidency at a moment when the American republic was most fragile. The essay argues that Washington’s indispensability lay not in constant success, but in judgment—his capacity for restraint, his attentiveness to counsel, and his ability to act decisively when necessary. It examines the formation of his leadership through early setbacks, his preservation of the Continental Army, and his precedent-setting exercise of executive authority, including the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion and the Proclamation of Neutrality.
Burn Notice: Russia Hoax Secrets Found in FBI Burn Bags
American Thinker — 2025
An examination of suppressed FBI documents and the institutional failures that sustained the Trump–Russia collusion narrative.
Samantha Power Should Not Escape Accountability
RealClearPolitics — February 15, 2025
In this commentary, Charlton examines the public record of Samantha Power’s leadership at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), arguing that her rapid rise through Washington foreign-policy circles and the policies pursued under her tenure warrant scrutiny and accountability from Congress and the public. Drawing on Power’s alignment with previous administrations and her influence on USAID’s mission and funding priorities, the article contends that her actions deserve oversight commensurate with their impact on U.S. foreign assistance and national interests.
RealClearReligion — July 23, 2025
In this historical and deeply moving essay, Charlton reflects on the life and martyrdom of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia, tracing her transformation from imperial royalty to servant of the poor and, ultimately, a canonized saint. The piece contrasts Elizabeth’s choices—embracing faith, mercy, and sacrifice amid political upheaval—with the brutality of Bolshevik repression, illustrating how her steadfast compassion endured beyond her violent death and continues to inspire.
“Greater Love Hath No Man”: True Meaning of Memorial Day
RealClearDefense — May 26, 2025
In this essay, Charlton reflects on the story of the USAT Dorchester and the Four Chaplains whose self-sacrifice in World War II exemplifies the deeper meaning of Memorial Day. Drawing on the dramatic account of their actions and the enduring legacy of their service, the piece connects historical memory with contemporary appreciation for those who lay down their lives in service to others and explores how such examples transcend official recognition to shape civic remembrance.
Lie Another Day: Clapper’s Six-Line Marching Orders That Shaped Russiagate
American Thinker — August 2025
In this analysis, Charlton scrutinizes a six-line directive attributed to former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and its influence on the development of the Russia collusion narrative.
A Turning Point for America
American Thinker — September 2025
In this essay, Charlton explores the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination.
The Crossing: The Revolution at the River’s Edge
American Thinker — December 2025
In this historical analysis, Charlton examines the events surrounding the crossing of the Delaware River and the subsequent pivotal engagements of the American Revolution, focusing on the strategic and symbolic importance of these moments in shaping the course of the conflict.
The System Is the Scandal: Harvard’s Antisemitism, Exposed in Its Own Words
American Thinker — July 6, 2025
In this analysis, Charlton examines Harvard University’s internal reports on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias, arguing that the final task-force findings reveal systemic institutional failures rather than isolated incidents. Drawing on the university’s own documentation and subsequent federal enforcement actions under Title VI, the piece assesses how administrative processes and prevailing campus culture have enabled discrimination and eroded intellectual diversity.
American Thinker — Author Page
A comprehensive archive of Charlton’s articles on American Thinker, including historical analysis, institutional critique, and political commentary.