Notebooks are snapshots from our writers, reflecting on current affairs and underappreciated aspects of culture and history.
The Qatari's offer of an airliner to President Trump is a reminder that there has never been a moment in history when diplomatic gifts weren’t leveraged against political aims.
The US President's appetite for deal-making has reached the Middle East. Is this really Syria's 'chance at greatness'?
Europe has spent too long fearing the consequences of Russian instability. It is time to fear the consequences of the stability of Putin's regime.
Frederick III, 'the Wise', Elector of Saxony, did not set out to defend the Protestant Reformation, but by protecting Martin Luther he changed Christendom and the world.
The new Pope will need courage in handling a fractured church and multiple geopolitical crises. One of his greatest challenges could be defusing tensions in the Korean peninsula.
The 21st century needs utopias. We have the ability to imagine more optimistic futures, where technology reduces suffering, and expands the sphere of human creativity and endeavour..
The United States has never developed a comprehensive system of awards for merit - why?
As the trade war between the United States and China intensifies, Southeast Asian countries will encounter increasing pressure to align with either Washington or Beijing.
Prussian Homage captures a golden moment in Polish history. Matejko's painting was not just a powerful weapon in the fight to recover his nation's statehood, it was also a lesson i..
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