Notebooks Archive

Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting with Kazakh interim President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Kremlin April 3, 2019.

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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

An exhibition displaying portraits of victims of Iranian regime.

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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

Hilary Mantel at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2012. Credit: Pako Mera / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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

Giorgia Meloni leader of the Fratelli d'Italia party.

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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

Unfinished work on top of table. Credit: AA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

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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

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the de-occupied city of Izyum, Kharkiv region in Ukraine on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Credit: UPI / Alamy Stock Photo.

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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