Portugal and Iran each lose an elder statesman. One brought democracy to his country, the other helped to edge it in that direction.
Author: Charles Richardson
Fake news and free speech
Peter Singer suggests a partial remedy for the "fake news" epidemic, but it raises some deep problems.
The normalisation of Europe’s Greens
As the centre-right backs away from the European idea, the Greens are picking up some of the slack.
What does Israel want?
The season of peace and goodwill has produced little of either in the Middle East. But as a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians looks ever more remote, no-one seems willing to spell out the alternatives.
The republic and the Republicans
A republic threatened by the tensions of empire and the rise of authoritarian demagogues. Now, where have we seen that before?
World election news, part II
More world electoral news (an occasional feature). Today Macedonia, Bulgaria, Italy and Gambia.
World election news, part I
There's a lot happening in the electoral world. Today Romania, France, Iceland and Ghana; part II to follow tomorrow.
Election previews: Macedonia and Romania
Two almost-neighboring countries in south-eastern Europe go to the polls tonight, in the last major elections of 2016.
America keeps counting
Hillary Clinton's victory keeps getting bigger in terms of votes. But America seems stuck with a system where votes don't matter.
Italy, Austria and the authoritarian dilemma
A referendum in Italy and a runoff election are both tests of Europe's political future.
The World is Not Enough 