Essays

essays

Europe’s eastward march

EU expansion since the end of the Cold War has alarmed Russia, but this should not be grounds for considering the process a mistake.

N. Piers Ludlow January 29, 2024

essays

Why Scotland lost its tongue

The disappearance of the Scots language from its native land is more than a linguistic conundrum. It is testament to Scotland's distinctive status within the British Isles and its ..

Luka Ivan Jukic January 24, 2024

essays

A Cold War with Chinese characteristics

After the 1990s, as the European Cold War ended, the Asian Cold War was transformed by China's manipulation of the forces of globalisation.

Rana Mitter January 23, 2024

essays

Grey zones and dark tourism in Europe’s hinterlands

Europe’s hinterlands are littered with grey zones: patches of territory torn between rival states and their conflicting understandings of the past and future. They are fascinating ..

Hannah Lucinda Smith January 16, 2024

essays

The Houthis’ forgotten war goes global

The Houthis emerged in Yemen as an Islamist movement in the late 1980s. Following the war in Gaza, their significance has grown as they disrupt trade through the Red Sea, with dang..

Elisabeth Kendall January 11, 2024

essays

The deep history and dangers of just wars

Just War doctrines emerged in the ancient world from around 3000 BC and ever since they have been used to absolve extreme violence in conflict.

Rory Cox January 9, 2024

essays

The long fall of the Slavic nation

The 19th century witnessed an attempt to create a shared sense of identity among Slavs, founded upon a common language. Despite its failure, its legacy resonated across European hi..

Luka Ivan Jukic January 2, 2024

essays

Best of Engelsberg Ideas in 2023

Here is a selection of ten pieces we have published in the last twelve months which highlight the biggest stories and themes of 2023 — a year in ideas.

Engelsberg Ideas December 31, 2023

essays

2023: The revenge of history

Events in Europe and the Middle East in 2023 have further shattered the idea that history had reached a stable plateau. The world is a more dangerous place at the year’s end than i..

Helen Thompson December 26, 2023