Notebooks

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Indulgences, LLMs, and the crisis of the university

Just as indulgences once acted as a proxy for salvation, so exams now serve as proxies for learning.

Daisy Christodoulou March 9, 2026

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Sophia Duleep Singh – The rebel princess who took on the crown

Sophia, the daughter of the deposed Maharajah Duleep Singh, used her royal status to champion women’s rights.

Cath Pound March 8, 2026

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Iran and the perils of fighting the last war

As the Iran war intensifies across the Middle East, leaders cannot afford to draw the wrong lessons from past crises.

Rob Macaire March 6, 2026

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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