Is Germany a prisoner of its history when it comes to racialised conflict?
Does the Senate need reform?
The two presiding officers of the Australian parliament have interesting things to say about how it works. But we should be very wary of plans that cut back on democracy.
Weekend reading
Reading suggestions to brighten your weekend.
Far right knocking at the door in Sweden
Sweden's model of consensus anti-extremist politics is on trial in next month's election.
Maybe not the potato
It's possible to tear down a prime minister without becoming their replacement. Peter Dutton could learn from Michael Heseltine.
Socialism with a human face?
It's fifty years since Soviet tanks crushed the Czechoslovak experiment in humane socialism. But the issues involved have not disappeared.
Is Turnbull another Rudd, or just another Turnbull?
Malcolm Turnbull's predicament brings back memories of 2009-10. What can that experience tell us about his prospects?
Death of a nationalist
The founder of India's ruling party was a moderate whose creation has become a vehicle for extremism.
France, Zionism and antisemitism
Antisemitism in France is a mixture of change and continuity, which defies simple explanations and easy solutions.
Somaliland’s success
Somaliland looks like a model case of democratic self-determination. Does that explain why it's ignored by the west?
The World is Not Enough 