Notebooks

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

Visualisation presented at the inauguration of the Commander Task Force Baltic (CTF).

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Germany stands by the rule of law in the Baltic

The establishment of a maritime task force in the Baltic shows Germany is serious about protecting the rule of law.

Elisabeth Braw October 30, 2024

A large rally takes place in Tunis in support of President Kais Saied amid widespread international criticism of Tunisia's latest wave of arrests of lawyers and journalists.

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Tunisia turns away from democracy

Tunisia’s road back to authoritarianism is a local expression of a global phenomenon: the tide of democratisation is steadily receding.

Jack Dickens October 28, 2024

A Victorian print of the burning of the Library of Alexandria.

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The curious history of imaginary libraries

Just as potent as the libraries that once existed are the libraries that never did. The imaginary library has never ceased to enthral poets, prelates, politicians and pranksters.

Josh Mcloughlin October 24, 2024

Vladimir Putin, right, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on an escalator together after arriving for bilateral discussions on April 25, 2019 in Vladivostok, Russia.

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Russia’s North Korean connection

The alarming prospect of North Korean soldiers fighting side by side with Russian troops in Ukraine aligns with Moscow’s vision of a shift in power away from the West towards the A..

Andrew Monaghan October 23, 2024

The Radcliffe Camera at Oxford University, designed by James Gibbs in the neo-classical style.

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A too democratic university

Globalising the race to become Oxford University's next Chancellor may have unexpected consequences for this ancient institution.

Gerard Russell October 23, 2024

Statue of the Chinese Communist Party flag.

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Peak China may be closer than we think

As China wrestles with a host of systemic economic problems, the role of institutions in its recent development could not be more topical.

George Magnus October 22, 2024

Widespread damage in Gaza City after bombardment by Israeli forces.

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Sinwar’s death among the ruins

The rubble in Gaza amid which the Hamas leader died may prove to be as politically challenging in the long term as his life and death.

John Raine October 21, 2024

Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico as it approached Florida.

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Geopolitics of the tempest

Who is to blame for natural disasters is an age-old question. Human beings are now deliberately changing the weather, a development likely to have profound implications.

Suzanne Raine October 16, 2024

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On the frontline in Lebanon

Those who go to war will forever carry the harrowing experience with them.

Ahron Bregman October 16, 2024