essays
The problem of power in Russia
Russia has never quite reconciled its traditional culture of ‘joint responsibility' with the rule of law.
Geoffrey Hosking
September 7, 2022
Essays
Long-form writing from leading scholars and commentators on history, statecraft, warfare, philosophy and culture.
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essays
Algorithms vs Humanity
What sort of humanist thinking should we be pursuing in the age of smart machines? Is humanism compatible with AI? Or do humans need to think of smart digital tech as a species thr..
Andrew Keen
September 5, 2022
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essays
Mikhail Gorbachev gave Russia a chance
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev had the singular misfortune of living long enough to watch some of his most important achievements reversed by his myopic successors. But he did accom..
Sergey Radchenko
September 1, 2022
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essays
The economy and the paradox of technology
Since the Industrial Revolution, technology has greatly enhanced humanity’s capacity to shape the world through manufacturing and finance. However, these technological developments..
Samuel Gregg
August 30, 2022
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essays
How the information age really began
While the foundations of computing may have been laid by the likes of Babbage and Lovelace, it was John von Neumann's report on the EDVAC system which transformed abstract musings ..
Ananyo Bhattacharya
August 25, 2022
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essays
Meteorites: our fascination with the ultimate antique
They are more than just reminders of the universe’s origins. Meteorites have been a commodity for investors, a demonstration of the cultural capital of museums, and prized items fo..
Maria Golia
August 24, 2022
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essays
How Ukraine is winning in the adaptation battle against Russia
The axiom ‘adapt or die’ is never more true than in war. The Ukrainian army’s willingness to modify its approach has been integral to its survival. The ability of other nations to ..
Mick Ryan
August 24, 2022
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essays
Spies as agents of peace
Secret intelligence is ultimately a tool of statecraft. How leaders use this tool and how others respond, depends on whether their policy goals and strategic beliefs are geared tow..
Joshua Rovner
August 19, 2022
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essays
Who’s seeing your data and why?
While many social media users shrug their shoulders at the thought of tech companies selling their data, the transmission is unlikely to stop there. With China's new data protectio..
Elisabeth Braw
August 17, 2022