Notebooks

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

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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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the Ramstein summit.

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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

A young slave holds out his master's helmet. Credit: PRISMA ARCHIVO / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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

Russian monument at the Arctic circle, Chukotka Siberia. Credit: ARCTIC IMAGES / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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

A Portrait of Napoleon and his nieces and nephews. Credit: ClassicStock / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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

Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims attending a papal audience. Credit: Marion Kaplan / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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

An open plan office in the City of London.

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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

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the 2022 FIFA World, Qatar. Credit: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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

A poster of the Red Army Faction from the German Federal Criminal Office.

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Germany’s 1960s slide into political violence is a warning

Today's disruptive protests are non-violent, so far. The West German experience of the late 1960s shows what can happen when marches and sit-ins escalate.

Elisabeth Braw December 16, 2022