By Consuelo Thiers, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Edinburgh
The question “Who is Keir Starmer?” echoed across headlines before and after he took office in 2024. Despite leading the Labour party for years, his personality, leadership style and core motivations remained something of a mystery. Now in office, that question matters more than ever. In moments of crisis, a national leader’s psychology plays a decisive role.
The UK faces a difficult foreign policy landscape. Post-Brexit Britain is still rebuilding alliances amid economic strain and Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency has put a more transactional, Russia-friendly approach in…
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By Alex Dittrich, Senior Lecturer in Zoology, Nottingham Trent University
In Antarctica’s freezing depths, tiny creatures have mastered survival tactics that could unlock secrets to extreme cold resistance, with implications for science and medicine. Some of the most intense battles against the environment are waged by the smallest of creatures.
When it’s cold, we, as warm-blooded (endothermic), animals simply put on a coat. Other endotherms, can be large, fat or furry to insulate their…
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By Linda Yueh, Fellow in Economics/Adjunct Professor of Economics, University of Oxford
Changing the UK’s fiscal rule to allow more cash to flow could take the pressure off – but it isn’t without risk.
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By Amnesty International
Reacting to the deteriorating health condition of Tofig Yagublu, a prominent opposition activist from Azerbaijan, who is serving a nine-year prison term, and who has been on a hunger strike since 1 April, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said: “Tofig Yagublu has endured years of politically motivated persecution and ill-treatment […] The post Azerbaijan: Authorities must immediately release Tofig Yagublu and urgently provide medical care as his health deteriorates appeared first on Amnesty International. ]]>
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By Vinothan Naidoo, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, University of Cape Town
Brian Levy, Professor of the Practice of International Development, Johns Hopkins University
South Africa’s government of national unity was built on a foundation of pragmatism. Failure would be bad for the country.
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By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
It takes a bit for Labor not to preference the Greens but on Friday it was announced that in the Melbourne seat of Macnamara the ALP will run an open ticket.
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By Holod Media
For nearly 100 years, “attempting to overthrow the state system” has remained a popular method for Russian security forces to justify the repression of citizens undesirable to the authorities.
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By Sophia Staite, Lecturer in Humanities, University of Tasmania
Social media is ablaze with reports of kids going wild at screenings of A Minecraft Movie. It’s not antisocial: it’s communal.
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By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney
As China seeks to expand its influence in our region, Pacific leaders have questioned Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s climate action stance.
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By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia
Recent research suggested cutting back on dairy, gluten, caffeine and alcohol could improve endometriosis pain. But here’s what to consider before making big changes.
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