Notebooks

Notebooks are snapshots from our writers, reflecting on current affairs and underappreciated aspects of culture and history.

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László Krasznahorkai’s universe

The fictions of Nobel laureate László Krasznahorkai are the latest in a rich tradition of allegorical speculation that can be traced back to the ruined visions of Franz Kafka and S..

Jared Marcel Pollen October 13, 2025

The iconic Path to Peace mosaic featuring a dove, located on the Israel-Gaza border in Netiv Haasara, symbolises the hope for harmony.

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The perils that remain on Gaza’s path to peace

Donald Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza – and the wider Middle East – may ultimately depend on the US president himself.

Jack Dickens October 9, 2025

An illustration of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Emile.

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The madness in Rousseau’s method

The 18th-century philosopher Thomas Day, a fanatical believer in the virtues of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's educational methods, tested his theories to destruction.

Nigel Andrew October 9, 2025

Jacques Louis David's painting, 'The Tennis Court Oath'.

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France’s common sense vacuum

More than institutional rewiring, France needs to transform its political culture, away from grandiose ideals and toward common sense.

Marc Le Chevallier October 8, 2025

A destroyed bridge crossing the Siverskyi Donets river.

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Will Russia crack?

With the US seemingly resigned from the peace process, the war will end when Ukraine's infrastructure is destroyed – or Russia runs out of money.

Owen Matthews October 6, 2025

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Why politicians need to show, not tell

The West's political institutions should strive to do less, but better.

Eliot Wilson October 3, 2025

Still from a film version of George Orwell's 1984.

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The rise of the mega-influencer

Mega-influencers shape the public imagination. And in a world where narratives matter more than facts, the imagination is where wars are won and lost.

Phillip Dolitsky and Luke Moon October 2, 2025