Australia was supposed to be part of a centre-left revival, but it didn't work out that way. Only so much blame can be attached to the electoral system.
Category: Party matters
A centre-left revival? Part I: Finland
The arrival of a Social Democrat-led government in Finland is an occasion to look more generally at the decline and possible revival of the centre-left.
The rise of Boris
With Britain's Conservative Party about to choose a new leader, there is a distinct lack of suspense. We know who it will be, and we know what a difficult task he will face.
What is Bill Shorten doing?
Australia's rule for the disposal of former party leaders needs debate and possibly revision. But Bill Shorten is not the ideal person to make that case.
Europe and the right, again
Results from the European parliament elections show that Europe's far-right problem is more specifically an Italian problem.
Australia’s voting system gets it right – or does it?
In a sense, Australia's electoral system got the right result at the weekend. But it's important to understand how it shapes the nature of our politics.
Australia turns Trumpist
Scott Morrison's government scores a surprise victory in Australia.
Election preview: South Africa
South Africa goes to the polls to give its new president a mandate in his own right. Change may be on the way, but it comes slowly.
May and Corbyn eye off a deal
British local elections have led the major parties to talk more optimistically about a Brexit deal, but the political dynamics are still against it.
How factionalism works
Australian commentators still mostly get the Liberal Party wrong. For a start, the wet-dry division isn't a factional conflict.
The World is Not Enough 