Essays

Long-form writing from leading scholars and commentators on history, statecraft, warfare, philosophy and culture.

The soul leaving the body, 1808. Credit: Chroma Collection / Alamy Stock Photo.
essays

Explaining out-of-body experiences

Once dismissed as a product of the imagination, out-of-body experiences can now be explained through cutting-edge neurological and psychological research. These findings pose momen..

Susan Blackmore January 3, 2023
Lloyd's coffee house in the City of London.
essays

In defence of shareholder democracy

The limited liability company remains the best vehicle for capitalistic endeavour.

Merryn Somerset Webb December 29, 2022
China established the Lop Nur Nuclear Test Base on 16 October 1959 with Soviet assistance in selection of the site, with its headquarters at Malan, about 125 km (78 mi) northwest of Qinggir. The first Chinese nuclear bomb test, codenamed '596', was tested at Lop Nur in 1964.
essays

How China learned to love the bomb

The Chinese Communist Party sees growing political value in its nuclear status: any prospect of nuclear reduction, let alone disarmament, has become bleaker than ever before.

Nicola Leveringhaus December 28, 2022
Satirical poster of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
essays

Russia’s tragedy is a warning to us all

Russia’s war is a tragedy for its people whose acceptance of it is mired in complexity — and sheer horror for Ukrainians living it in real time.

Sergey Radchenko December 27, 2022
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington
essays

The year the West woke up

Was 2022 really the age of the strong man? History might tell a different tale.

Lawrence Freedman December 26, 2022
Christmas Eve by WC Bauer
essays

Christmas warmth illuminates dark times

The modern, secular season’s choreography of manufactured joy can be unedifying, but at its essence the winter solstice remains a beacon of warmth and light illuminating our natura..

Marie Daouda December 24, 2022
Lake view at Engelsberg by Olof Arborelius (1842-1919).
essays

A Year in Ideas

At Engelsberg Ideas, our contributors have engaged with the biggest stories and themes of 2022, including the character of war in flux, technological shifts, geopolitical tension, ..

Engelsberg Ideas December 21, 2022
Jesus in the house of Simon the leper in Bethany.
essays

Reclaiming Christian freedom for the modern age

Old beliefs based on fundamental principles once had the authority to champion liberation from base instincts and arbitrary social forces. We must reclaim that inheritance.

Richard Chartres December 20, 2022
The Day After (1983). Credit: Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo.
essays

Breaking the nuclear taboo

Russian aggression has sparked fears of apocalypse. Although terrifying, this is an opportunity for decision makers to ask themselves 'what next?' should the nuclear pact break.

Jeffrey H. Michaels December 15, 2022

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