Essays

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

Fantasy in Middle Eastern nation-making

There is frequently no real reason why one person has more claim to live or even rule over a piece of land than another. A reason, however, must be provided and it can often be fou..

Nathan Shachar June 20, 2020

The Ratification of the Treaty of Münster, 1648. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London.

essays

Towards a Westphalia for the Middle East

Westphalia's legacy of compromise and conditional sovereignty shows the way to peace in the Middle East.

Brendan Simms June 19, 2020

essays

Human nature and European civilisation

Relativism has left us in an impasse. The ancient study of human nature offers a route out.

Janne Haaland Matláry June 17, 2020

French painter David's The Death of Socrates.

essays

Authority without knowledge

The worst form of ignorance in politics is an inflated opinion of one’s own wisdom. In matters of moral judgement, authority-dependence carries grave risks.

Erica Benner June 17, 2020