Notebooks

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A guide to screening the Ancient World

Films and TV series, from 'Jason and the Argonauts' to 'I, Claudius', continue to shape our understanding of antiquity.

Paul Cartledge March 6, 2026

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The limits of global governance

When global institutions fail, nation states must mobilise power to deliver results.

Nadia Schadlow March 6, 2026

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The Iron Curtain 80 years on

Winston Churchill's epochal warning on the problems posed by Russian aggression is as pertinent today as it was in 1946.

Keith Lowe March 5, 2026

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Who will run Iran?

If the regime survives, two members of Tehran's interim leadership council could emerge as credible contenders for the position of Supreme Leader. Both have considerable weaknesses..

Saeid Golkar and Jason M. Brodsky March 3, 2026

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The logic behind Iran’s siege mentality

As the Islamic Republic faces the greatest threat in its 47-year history, a ‘rope-a-dope’ strategy may keep it alive.

Jack Dickens March 2, 2026

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Reading is a skill

Novels may refine judgement, but they cannot make us good.

Alastair Benn March 2, 2026

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The Islamic Republic in ruins

President Trump's strike on the Islamic Republic, Operation ‘Epic Fury’, seeks to remove the Iranian regime's monopoly of violence.

Ali Ansari March 1, 2026

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Ripples from Iran

The Israeli-American attack on Iran and the killing of its Supreme Leader may well bring the epoch of the rules-based order to an end.

Peter Caddick-Adams March 1, 2026

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A short strike in Iran’s long war

Will the actions of America and Israel enable Iranians to take back control?

Rob Johnson February 28, 2026