The fake history of civilisational states
So-called civilisational states, including Russia, China and India, invoke fake histories to justify and buttress their contemporary political settlements. But those who cannot let go of the past are always at risk of finding themselves imprisoned by it.
Geopolitics never went away for the United States
For the United States, geopolitics has always been about national identity, even in an era of globalisation. Perhaps it always will be.
The intelligent use of history – what is the past good for?
In times of global uncertainty and upheaval, many people look back to an imaginary golden age of simplicity and stability, or seek to blame a past individual or policy for current ills. Danger lies in both these coping strategies. We need to make intelligent use of history.
The flag wars are here to stay
Flags have become synonymous with nationhood, character, spirit, and power. In an age of renewed nationalism, their power should not be underestimated.
Engelsberg Ideas is the home to great writing from the world’s leading thinkers on history and culture, featuring essays, historical portraits and regular podcasts. Engelsberg Ideas is free to read, providing access to excellence. It is published by the Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation.
EI Weekly Listen – Maurizio Viroli on the virtues of the city-state
The early modern Italian republics are often portrayed as models of bad government. But the fusion of civic humanism and Christianity they championed endures to this day. Read by Leighton Pugh.
EI Weekly Listen – Maurizio Viroli on the virtues of the city-state
The early modern Italian republics are often portrayed as models of bad government. But the fusion of civic humanism and Christianity they championed endures to this day. Read by Leighton Pugh.
EI Weekly Listen – Maurizio Viroli on the virtues of the city-state
The early modern Italian republics are often portrayed as models of bad government. But the fusion of civic humanism and Christianity they championed endures to this day. Read by Leighton Pugh.
Carl Akeley – the contradictory life of a taxidermist and hunter turned wildlife photographer
Inventor, sculptor, and taxidermist by trade, Carl Akeley was an early pioneer of wildlife photography. His life’s lessons still echo in the effort to conserve wildlife.
Carl Akeley – the contradictory life of a taxidermist and hunter turned wildlife photographer
Inventor, sculptor, and taxidermist by trade, Carl Akeley was an early pioneer of wildlife photography. His life’s lessons still echo in the effort to conserve wildlife.
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The forgotten grande dame of English letters
Is energy the god of progress?
