By Sarah Pessin, Professor of Philosophy, University of Denver
The shofar is used on many different occasions in the Bible. But today, for many Jews, it is most associated with the High Holidays: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
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By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor, The Conversation
This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.
The report of the UN’s independent international commission of inquiry on Palestine, released this week, makes for gruelling reading. It found that Israel’s 23-month campaign in Gaza is being waged “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial…
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By Jason Ralph, Professor of International Relations, University of Leeds
An unusual feature of Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK was the spectacle of the Royal Marines, the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Air Force “beating retreat” as the president and King Charles looked on.
This is a traditional military ceremony that started in the 17th century and marked the closing of camp gates and the lowering of flags. It is, by all accounts, the kind of British “soft power” that excites the president and consolidates “the special relationship” between allies.
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By Francesca Jackson, PhD candidate, Lancaster Law School, Lancaster University
State visits are always grand occasions, but Donald Trump’s second was unprecedented in terms of scale and spectacle. The president was treated to the most impressive ceremonial welcome ever laid on for any head of state.
After enjoying a carriage ride through the grounds of Windsor Castle with the king, queen and prince and princess of Wales, the president was greeted by the largest guard of honour ever, comprising 1,300 troops and 120 horses. A lunch, private tour of St George’s Chapel and a Red Arrows flypast followed, before the day culminated in a lavish white-tie state banquet.
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By Katie Pickles, Professor of History, University of Canterbury
On the anniversary of New Zealand women gaining the vote in 1893, a recipe for Spanish cream gives a glimpse into the personal world of suffrage leader Kate Sheppard.
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By Kyle Peyton, Senior research fellow, The University of Melbourne
Australia has seen a dramatic transformation of retirement over the past 20 years, with more Australians delaying retirement than ever before, reshaping expectations for later life.
This shift matters because it marks a fundamental change in how people transition out of the workforce — with important implications for financial security in later life.
The decision to retire is no longer driven purely by personal preference or age alone. It’s increasingly shaped by policy, housing wealth, super balances and whether someone can afford to stop working.
In 2003,…
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By Roger Wilkins, Professorial Fellow and Co-Director, HILDA Survey, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne
Full-time workers’ average tax rates have also been steadily rising – with much of the tax burden falling on people in their mid-30s to 50s.
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By Ferdi Botha, Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne
The number of Australians who say they experience bodily pain has risen over the past two decades. Gender, age and income all make a difference.
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By Liz Evans, Adjunct Researcher, English and Writing, University of Tasmania
Liz Evans went to Jarvis Cocker’s house party and was gifted shoes by Kim Gordon. Her review of music books by Kate Mossman and John Harris sits alongside her memories.
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By Tatsuya Amano, Associate Professor, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland
Everyone, no matter their background, should have an equal chance to work in science – but there are huge systemic barriers.
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