Essays

essays

Troubled waters

Military force will not be enough to fix the Gulf of Guinea's piracy problem. The roots of the crime lie on-shore, deep in the politics of oil and statehood.

Anja Shortland August 2, 2021

essays

The old republic of Europe

The idea of a united European polity has a contested history dating back three centuries.

Anthony Pagden July 29, 2021

essays

Haiti and the pathos of history

President Moïse’s assassination is a new spin on a familiar story for Haiti. And yet, despite the fact that the country's politics has been plagued by destabilising political assas..

Jack Dickens July 23, 2021

essays

Empire and development in First Millennium Europe

The story of First Millennium Europe is one of remarkable economic change and demographic upheaval; a precocious analogue to the modern era of globalisation.

Peter Heather July 21, 2021

essays

Wise warnings matter even more in this age of pandemics and big data

We need to focus on how we warn about threats and hazards. Data and forecasting can only get us so far - the critical factors are human instinct and courage.

Suzanne Raine July 15, 2021

essays

Geopolitics and the Mongol Empire

Political and economic concerns were as critical as environmental and geographic factors in forging the unity of the Mongol Empire.

Morris Rossabi July 13, 2021

essays

As the Arctic thaws, are we able to keep its peace?

A new struggle for resources, trade and military might has polarised the Arctic states. As the region thaws, strategic competition is heating up.

Kristina Spohr July 8, 2021

essays

In search of civilisation

The search for 'early civilisation' in ancient societies has obscured the diverse ways in which ancient societies survived and thrived.

David Wengrow July 6, 2021

essays

China’s ruling creed at 100: the Party never stops

The Chinese Communist Party is a state within a state. It is also a ninety-million-strong faith community on a hundred-year moral mission.

Kerry Brown July 1, 2021