Notebooks

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Charles III — why not make him King-Emperor of Europe?

Europe has problems and Britain is adrift from Europe. Here's an idea, an historical experiment. It's the Stars Wars solution. Crown Charles III as Charles VIII, Emperor of Europe.

Brendan Simms October 3, 2022

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The Pacific Century is here — but not as advertised

In the seventies, the East Asian democracies challenged the West. And yet visions of a coming Pacific Century did not materialise in quite the way observers expected.

Oliver Rhodes September 30, 2022

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Kazakhstan’s Russia problem

Central Asian state leaders have been visibly unnerved by the invasion of Ukraine, and China has been all too happy to comfort them. However, should Russia succeed, its former alli..

Katherine Bayford September 29, 2022

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The Iran protests could spell the beginning of the end for the Islamic Republic

The fragility of the Islamic Republic of Iran is increasingly clear for all to see. But, despite recent protests, we ought to remain cautious about the prospects for immediate chan..

Ali Ansari September 27, 2022

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The spirit of Hilary Mantel

The late author’s work is populated with spirits, liminality, and longings.

Fay Schopen September 26, 2022

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Fratelli d’Italia’s Burning Flame — why the medium is the message for Giorgia Meloni

The flame has become a sign of authenticity for Fratelli D'Italia, one of the few enduring icons through decades of political chameleonism. To have the flame means, in some ways, t..

Tobias Jones September 23, 2022

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Posthumous publication is a wicked literary problem

Readers should remember that many works published after a beloved writer’s death are the product of speculative —and often controversial — editorial processes.

Francesca Peacock September 22, 2022

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Putin sees himself as engaged in an existential war with the West

The most important strategic decision a wartime leader must make is determining the nature of the war they are fighting. With Putin’s most recent announcement, it looks ever more a..

Andrew Monaghan September 21, 2022

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Ukraine’s success in Kharkiv forced Putin’s hand

While the announcement of Russia’s mobilisation has lengthened the dark tunnel of war, the light of Ukrainian victory still glows. Ukraine’s army must exploit its momentum before t..

Mick Ryan September 21, 2022