Central Asian state leaders have been visibly unnerved by the invasion of Ukraine, and China has been all too happy to comfort them. However, should Russia succeed, its former allies in Central Asia will likely pay a heavy price.
The fragility of the Islamic Republic of Iran is increasingly clear for all to see. But, despite recent protests, we ought to remain cautious about the prospects for immediate change.
The late author’s work is populated with spirits, liminality, and longings.
The flame has become a sign of authenticity for Fratelli D’Italia, one of the few enduring icons through decades of political chameleonism. To have the flame means, in some ways, that you are the true descendants of Mussolini’s MSI and, thus, of the Duce himself.
Readers should remember that many works published after a beloved writer’s death are the product of speculative —and often controversial — editorial processes.
The most important strategic decision a wartime leader must make is determining the nature of the war they are fighting. With Putin’s most recent announcement, it looks ever more as though Moscow sees the conflict in Ukraine as part of an existential struggle against the West.
While the announcement of Russia’s mobilisation has lengthened the dark tunnel of war, the light of Ukrainian victory still glows. Ukraine’s army must exploit its momentum before the arrival of Russian reinforcements.
In our self-indulgently emotional times, Federer had an ability to treat Kipling’s two imposters — triumph and disaster — just the same.
Jean-Luc Godard’s vast legacy as an exponent of pure cinema stands the test of time.
In the late 1990s, Sweden had a uniquely well-functioning electricity system. It was virtually 100 per cent fossil-free, reliable, and cost-efficient. What went wrong?
The Queen’s presence conveyed more eloquently than any words could that the ship of state had a firm anchor in her modern monarchy.
Unconventional warfare helped Assad triumph in Syria and could be the deadly game changer for Putin in Ukraine.
Elizabeth II’s playful sense of humour brought us fleeting glimpses of her unguarded private side. No wonder we clung to them.
Very few monarchs have been so widely adored as Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II. Perhaps it is because they placed love at the centre of their relationship with their subjects.
If you were to attach one descriptive word to Queen Elizabeth, as in Alfred the Great or William the Conqueror, it would be dutiful.
The Queen’s life of service, duty and sacrifice is an example to Britain and to the world.
Sweden’s radical economic policies during the Cold War decades inspired socialists worldwide. However, its wage earner funds found little support and instead generated a new vision of Sweden, a society centred on free market principles rather than collectives.
In the teeth of Russian assault, we think of Ukraine as the borderland, the bloodlands, Europe’s cursed killing ground. But no-one mentions Ukraine’s extraordinary natural beauty.
The prolific paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder may be familiar, but a closer look at the artist’s philosophy reveals he remains defiantly counter-cultural.
Gorbachev decided to fold up the Soviet Union without a military confrontation, for which he certainly deserves praise, but to present him as a man who ended the evil of European Communism out of a deliberate choice is a misreading of history, and one designed to minimise to essential contributions of Reagan and Thatcher.
The role of fatwas provides a dark insight into the relationship between Iranian religion and politics over the past century.
Engelsberg Ideas is brought to you by The Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation for Public Benefit
Stureplan 3, SE 103 75 Stockholm, Sweden editors@engelsbergideas.com www.axsonjohnsonfoundation.org
By subscribing, you consent to us contacting you by email. You may unsubscribe at any time, and we’ll keep your personal data safe in accordance with our privacy policy.
