Around two-thirds of Europeans feel nostalgic, and recent studies suggest that these feelings can influence political views. Parties in central and eastern Europe, particularly nationalist ones, are more likely to use nostalgic rhetoric in their manifestos.
Why Venezuela is threatening to annex Guyana’s oil-rich province of Essequibo
Klaus Dodds || 5 min readVenezuela, led by President Maduro, threatens to annex an oil-rich region of Guyana, driven by domestic popularity concerns and the prospect of valuable resources. Worries about potential conflict escalate, compounded by Russia’s alliance with Venezuela.
Boris Johnson at the COVID inquiry: Sullen, evasive and a danger to democracy
Professor Matthew Flinders || 5 min readBoris Johnson’s demeanour during the COVID inquiry reveals a loss of confidence. His apology lacks clarity, reflecting his leadership style. The inquiry aims to learn, not blame, but public disillusionment may intensify, impacting future elections and anti-political sentiment.
Boris Johnson faces backlash: Outcry over Downing Street parties
PMP News || 4 min readFormer PM Boris Johnson faced fierce criticism for his comments about lockdown parties held in Downing Street during his testimony to the COVID inquiry on Thursday.
Nostalgia in politics: Pan-European study sheds light on how (and why) parties appeal to the past in their election campaigns
5 min readAround two-thirds of Europeans feel nostalgic, and recent studies suggest that these feelings can influence political views. Parties in central and eastern Europe, particularly nationalist ones, are more likely to use nostalgic rhetoric in their manifestos.
Is Javier Milei Argentina’s Liz Truss?
3 min readJavier Milei, Argentina’s president-elect, resembles Britain’s short-serving PM Liz Truss in their shared goals of low taxes and a reduced state. Both faced economic challenges, raising concerns about the potential consequences of their radical policies.
The upshot of ‘He said, Xi said’: More pandas to the US
3 min readJoe Biden and Xi Jinping participated in a crucial summit during the APEC forum in San Francisco. Acknowledging competition, the leaders underscored the importance of averting conflict and committed to resuming military contact.
Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar… whatever happened to the ‘never again’ pledge?
3 min readGlobal tensions are escalating, marked by ongoing regional disputes in Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. The international community’s intermittent focus on these crises raises concerns about the efficacy of global peacemaking efforts.
The ethics of Biden’s ‘America First’ argument for Ukraine funding
3 min readSome Republicans express disapproval of the Biden administration’s approach to aiding Ukraine against Russia, which frames aid as a means to boost American employment in the weapons manufacturing industry.
Reshuffling the sleaze
6 min readRishi Sunak, who previously positioned himself as a “change” candidate, abandons the claim by appointing David Cameron, known for austerity and the Brexit referendum, back into a senior government role. The move is a risky gamble amid internal party tensions and public backlash.
The alarming rise of the new fascism
8 min readGlobal concerns escalate as U.S. Project 2025 promotes far-right Christian nationalism. In Britain, Suella Braverman’s inflammatory language towards migrants, the homeless, and protesters raises fears of the Conservative Party transforming into a far-right authoritarian entity.
Elections yesterday and tomorrow
5 min readDemocrats celebrated victories in Tuesday’s U.S. elections, with potential implications for 2024. Trump’s absence from the ballot introduces uncertainty. Ageing remains a focal point, with scrutiny on both Biden and Trump. Making predictions is challenging.
Shifting goalposts and the failure of the Scottish media
5 min readThe Scottish media’s handling of the ongoing constitutional impasse regarding a second independence referendum has come under scrutiny for its perceived one-sidedness and for framing the issue as primarily a matter for the SNP.