Political Cynicism
The New Statesman this week noted that the major political parties are in a “conspiracy of silence”: failing to describe the impact of their proposed policies. Cynical politicians know that […]
» Read moreParty Positioning
Tactical Policy-Making: – As reported in The Guardian, “Ed Miliband has promised an immigration reform bill in the first few weeks of a new Labour government as he challenged the […]
» Read moreWhat drives ISIS?
In an article entitled Iraq Illusions, published in The New York Review of Books, Jessica Mathews describes the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) as “only one of an […]
» Read moreSeparatist Politicians
Voters in the forthcoming Scottish referendum on Thursday should reflect upon the divergence of interests between politicians and the people they serve. David Cameron might feel that, without Scotland, he […]
» Read moreResisting Islamic Extremism
Prospect magazine has just published a thought-provoking article entitled Do not give Isis what it wants, drawing attention to the dangers of the West being drawn into another war. Experience […]
» Read moreBritain in Europe 2
Nigel Farage won yesterday’s debate on Britain in Europe, cleverly and dishonestly, but he cannot win the argument. His was an appeal to the heart: “I want Britain to get […]
» Read moreEurope Debate 2014
This is an open letter to Nick Clegg, following his debate with Nigel Farage on Wednesday, 26 March 2014. Clegg, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, was arguing in favour […]
» Read moreUkraine after Crimean Separation
The West has mishandled its relationships with Ukraine and with Russia. President Putin’s annexation of Crimea now looks irreversible – despite the West’s protests. The West appears impotent, whilst President […]
» Read moreThe Future of Ukraine
Introduction It isn’t easy to see how Ukraine’s future can now be determined by its people. By rejecting a negotiated peace-plan, the protesters in Maidan Square have inadvertently (but predictably) […]
» Read moreThe Chinese government is dissipating its legitimacy
If it is to retain its legitimacy, the Chinese government needs to change the way it responds to issues. Recent incidents, relating to corruption and freedom of speech, suggest that […]
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