Notebooks

notebook

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

notebook

Finding the God in Godard

Jean-Luc Godard’s vast legacy as an exponent of pure cinema stands the test of time.

Muriel Zagha September 16, 2022

notebook

Roger Federer rose above our frenetic times

In our self-indulgently emotional times, Federer had an ability to treat Kipling’s two imposters — triumph and disaster — just the same.

Allan Massie September 16, 2022

notebook

Low power: how self-sufficient Sweden jeopardised its energy security

In the late 1990s, Sweden had a uniquely well-functioning electricity system. It was virtually 100 per cent fossil-free, reliable, and cost-efficient. What went wrong?

Magnus Henrekson September 14, 2022

notebook

How Elizabeth II created the role of the modern monarch

The Queen’s presence conveyed more eloquently than any words could that the ship of state had a firm anchor in her modern monarchy.

Richard Chartres September 14, 2022

notebook

Chemical weapons and war: the growing threat

Unconventional warfare helped Assad triumph in Syria and could be the deadly game changer for Putin in Ukraine.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon September 13, 2022

notebook

Her Great Quality

Elizabeth II’s playful sense of humour brought us fleeting glimpses of her unguarded private side. No wonder we clung to them.

Daisy Dunn September 10, 2022

notebook

The two Elizabeths

Very few monarchs have been so widely adored as Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II. Perhaps it is because they placed love at the centre of their relationship with their subjects.

Estelle Paranque September 9, 2022

notebook

Elizabeth the Dutiful

If you were to attach one descriptive word to Queen Elizabeth, as in Alfred the Great or William the Conqueror, it would be dutiful.

Allan Massie September 9, 2022