Notebooks

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José Saramago was the master of reinvention

This great writer and inveterate political renegade deserves to be better known outside his native Portugal.

Gerald Malone February 9, 2023

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Disraeli and the Rothschilds provide a study in the power of political patronage

The diaries of Charlotte de Rothschild show, through her relationship with Mary Anne Disraeli, the complex emotional ties between politicians and their financiers.

Suzanne Raine February 3, 2023

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German resistance to sending Leopards will be long remembered

The meeting at Ramstein revealed divisions and disappointed supporters of Ukraine.

Mick Ryan January 22, 2023

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Slave-owning was democracy’s original sin

Slavery has proved to be an endless moral and philosophical problem for democracies throughout history.

Erica Benner January 20, 2023

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Russia’s quest for polar power

The Arctic is the country’s number one regional resource; the West’s strategic planners must be ready for the challenge.

Andrew Monaghan January 11, 2023

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Napoleon’s trouble on the home front

Building an empire is easier than constructing a dynasty. The famous French leader was bedevilled by unintelligent and uncooperative family members.

Katherine Bayford January 4, 2023

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Benedict XVI: God’s Rottweiler, the Pope who retired

The first Pope to retire for six centuries has died aged 95.

Elisabeth Braw December 31, 2022

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The roots of cyber security lie in the City of London

From the 1950s to the 1970s, the City of London, Britain’s historic and global financial centre, was a hotbed of technological advancement. Many of the discussions, motivations and..

Ashley Sweetman December 19, 2022

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World Cup has revealed the real Lionel Messi

There has long been a certain amount of scepticism among Argentina fans about their nation's captain. At this year's World Cup his uniquely Argentinian performance has turned him i..

Andreas Campomar December 19, 2022