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Israel and Iran square off
None of the would-be peacemakers have yet stated their endgame vision for a de-escalated region.
Peter Caddick-Adams
June 16, 2025
Notebooks
Notebooks are snapshots from our writers, reflecting on current affairs and underappreciated aspects of culture and history.
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The Islamic Republic on the ropes
Following catastrophic strikes on Iran's nuclear and military sites by Israel, what will the Islamic Republic do next?
James Snell
June 13, 2025
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Brian Wilson was made for these times
The presiding genius of the Beach Boys, the late Brian Wilson, was one of the very best of the postwar generation.
Bryan Appleyard
June 13, 2025
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How Nato can defend the Atlantic
The United Kingdom’s vision of a North Atlantic secured from Russian submarine warfare is possible. But it will require inspired leadership, partnership with industry, and support ..
Andrew Boyd
June 12, 2025
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America’s National Guard, a history of heroism and violence
Throughout recent US history, the National Guard has been a recurring player in confrontations between the state capitals and Washington, DC. Now, Trump’s decision to deploy the Gu..
Phil Tinline
June 11, 2025
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Whit Stillman’s comedies of manners
Metropolitan, the American filmmaker Whit Stillman’s timeless masterpiece, is that rare and precious thing: a very entertaining comedy about virtue. Set in New York, it explores th..
Muriel Zagha
June 10, 2025
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Making Poland great again
Since the fall of Communism, Poland’s elites have failed to grasp the political power of historical memory. Their neglect allows politicians like President-elect Karol Nawrocki to ..
Adam Zamoyski
June 9, 2025
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Thomas Mann’s cathedrals in prose
One of the greatest European writers, Thomas Mann, born 150 years ago, dedicated his life to the pursuit of literary form. He left a monumental legacy.
Morten Høi Jensen
June 6, 2025
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The merits of a wartime mentality
The continuing Russo-Ukrainian war and the readiness of Moscow to think and act as if it is already in a wider conflict with the West mean a war-time mentality is needed right now.
Lawrence Freedman
June 5, 2025