Notebooks

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Knowing Russia was going to invade Ukraine was not enough

The warnings were accurate but the West failed to believe them and this made collective deterrent action far less effective.

Suzanne Raine March 3, 2022

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War displaces Ukrainians – again

The growing and unresolved humanitarian crisis unfolding in Europe as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians flee fighting is not new. When Russia invaded Ukraine’s eastern regions in..

Emily Channell-Justice March 3, 2022

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Show’s over: the case against a cultural boycott of Russia

In the rarefied world of classical music, famous Russians who have yet to criticise their country’s invasion of Ukraine have had global invitations withdrawn. But while many have m..

Elisabeth Braw March 1, 2022

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Putin’s new Iron Curtain — will democracies stand up to authoritarian states?

Putin has created a world divided between the democracies and authoritarian countries. This new Iron Curtain line stretches from Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea to China.

Tim Marshall February 24, 2022

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Searching for Castalia

The sacred springs of mythology are considered the source of inspiration for the finest poets – both ancient and modern. But like poetry itself, they remain elusive.

Edward Thicknesse February 24, 2022

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How Russia has upgraded its military strategy by drawing deep on history

Historical influences permeate Russian grand strategy. Operation Barbarossa remains seared into its military's psyche. This has important consequences for how Euro-Atlantic policym..

Andrew Monaghan February 21, 2022

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The lasting historical appeal of the elephant

Pachyderms have proved remarkably versatile to European history – used, among other things, as symbols of conquering and colonisation, the lives of these creatures, and the way the..

Eve Webster February 18, 2022

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Ancient scandals and power struggles: Succession’s unexpected playfulness with ancient history

The hit TV show inevitably creates literary and historical resonances, but its classical references are always on the money.

Armand D'Angour February 16, 2022

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Putin’s Poison Pill

The Russian president’s ambition to restore his country’s Soviet-era influence is solely in his own interest – at the expense of the nation’s long-term security and prosperity.

Gregory Feifer February 16, 2022