Notebooks

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

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The ghost of Olof Palme: how support for the Kurds is complicating Sweden’s NATO accession

Sweden’s application in the wake of the war in Ukraine has given Turkey the chance to bring up old grievances.

Elisabeth Braw May 27, 2022

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Bad history — why the Treaty of Versailles is an imperfect guide to future Russia-West relations

It is often claimed that ‘humiliating’ a vanquished state only ensures hostility later down the line. The reality however is far more complex.

Will Quinn May 27, 2022

Traditional chinese tile roofs contrast the modern skyline of Shanghai.

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A world without glamorous Shanghai is the poorer for it

Traditional chinese tile roofs contrast the modern skyline of Shanghai.

Kerry Brown May 24, 2022

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The enduring spirit of Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival offers a unique perspective on the world and what it thinks and fears.

Agnès Poirier May 20, 2022

German Army Sikorsky CH-53 Stallion transport helicopter performing at the Tag der Bundeswehr. Credit: VDWI Aviation / Alamy Stock Photo

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Can Germany get the Bundeswehr fighting fit?

Despite the heavy baggage of the twentieth century, the country must now step up to its NATO responsibilities.

Katja Hoyer May 17, 2022

A railway station restaurant in Milan, 1931. Credit: MARKA / Alamy Stock Photo.

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Against pasta: remembering The Manifesto of Futurist Cooking

Although tainted by the history of Fascism, the Manifesto and La cucina futurista deserve to be remembered as a brave, bizarre and fascinating attempt to aestheticise gastronomy – ..

Josh Mcloughlin May 13, 2022

Concert near Lviv National Opera a month after the Russian invasion commenced.

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The miracle of refugee musicians

Countless musicians have been uprooted by war or persecution — to the benefit of conservatoires, orchestras and concert halls around the world. A newly formed Ukrainian refugee orc..

Elisabeth Braw May 10, 2022

Ski troops in Finland in the Second World War. Credit: Chronicle / Alamy Stock Photo.

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Sweden and Finland forced into the NATO fold by Russia

Finland and Sweden are all but certain to seek NATO membership in the coming months. This is unlikely to be a straight forward process. Public opinion and recent history will dicta..

Charly Salonius-Pasternak May 6, 2022

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Italy the mediator’s crush on Russia

Both the far-right and far-left have been seduced by Putin in a love match that not even war can uncouple.

Tobias Jones May 3, 2022