Donald Trump

Trump’s election interference case may be closed, but it still matters for America’s future

— After two years investigating Donald Trump, special counsel Jack Smith’s work ended with a scathing but legally impotent report, highlighting alleged election lies, pressures, and violence-linked rhetoric.

Analysis

Tulip Siddiq resigns: There’s no evidence she broke any rules, but here’s why she had to go anyway

— Tulip Siddiq has resigned as anti-corruption minister following corruption allegations involving her family ties and property transactions. Despite no proven misconduct, public perception and ministerial code concerns sealed her fate.

United States

Trump signals he will start pushing for a new world order in his first 100 days

— Donald Trump’s return heralds dramatic shifts in US foreign policy, blending bluster, deal-making, and strategic disengagement from Europe and the Middle East, while intensifying Western Hemisphere dominance and China confrontation.

Long-Read

The Trump revolution: Where it came from and where it’s going

— Donald Trump’s second presidency heralds a transformative right-wing revolution, threatening US democratic institutions and global stability. Rising inequality, populism, and mistrust in government magnify economic and political challenges worldwide.

UK Politics

All British politicians should immediately distance themselves from the foreign interference of Elon Musk

— Elon Musk’s online interventions in UK politics, including accusations against Keir Starmer and backing far-right figures, highlight undemocratic interference and volatile alliances. Politicians must distance themselves to preserve democratic integrity.

Brazil

How a small Brazilian town became an unlikely battleground over Confederate memory

— In an unusual tribute to U.S. Confederate exiles and their pro-slavery legacy, a small Brazilian town had hosted a ‘Confederate Festival’ for decades, blending Southern traditions with Confederate symbols and local culture — until backlash spurred its rebranding for 2025.

War in Ukraine

Trump wants China’s help in making peace in Ukraine. He’s unlikely to get it

— Donald Trump’s invitation to Xi Jinping for his inauguration aims to involve China in Ukraine peace talks, but Beijing’s interests likely align with prolonging the conflict, favouring its geopolitical dominance.

Analysis

Protesting farmers are having to fight off the radical right, conspiracy theorists and climate sceptics

— UK farmers have protested inheritance tax changes and financial pressures, resisting radical-right co-option. Distrust in government and tensions over net-zero targets risk escalating unless sustainable, fair solutions are implemented.

Deliberative Democracy

In a world where political polarization and disengagement are denting democracy, does Botswana’s ‘kgotla’ system hold the key?

— Botswana’s democratic stability and governance success stem from its ‘kgotla’ tradition, fostering citizen participation and accountability through village assemblies. This African model highlights the power of localised, participatory democracy.

Long-Read

The limits and limitations of post-Brexit choices

— Chris Grey critiques Trump’s victory and Brexit’s deepening incoherence, highlighting Labour’s state-driven budget as a shift from neo-liberalism. Yet, Brexit’s financial toll limits Britain’s capacity to navigate these challenges.

Long-Read

The Brexit quart won’t fit into Labour’s pint pot

— Labour’s Brexit policy centres on minor adjustments, avoiding rejoining debates despite economic drawbacks. Health Secretary Wes Streeting admitted Brexit’s economic costs, while backbenchers push for closer EU ties, challenging Labour’s restricted approach.

Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)

The global food system is owned by an ever smaller number of companies – it’s damaging our health, our communities and the planet

— Over 800 million people face hunger, and 2 billion lack food access despite sufficient global production. This imbalance stems from market concentration, where a few big firms dominate, prioritising profit over sustainability.

Health

Artificial sweetener could harm your gut and the microbes that live there

— The new generation of artificial sweeteners was meant to be less harmful than the previous generation. A new study suggests they might be just as harmful.

UK Politics

The hypocrisy at the heart of racist riots

— Misinformation after a Southport stabbing sparked Islamophobic violence, exposing how racial biases and political scapegoating fuel racism and unequal responses to crimes based on the perpetrator’s race.

English Nationalism

The trouble with England – Why rioting in the UK has not spread to Scotland and Wales

— The recent violent unrest in England reflects deep-seated English identity issues linked to post-imperial decline, national confusion, and resentment over devolution. Scotland and Wales, which have adopted more progressive, inclusive narratives, have remained largely unaffected.

Legitimisation of the Far-Right

Refusing to call out Islamophobia has emboldened the far-right – and the current violence is the result

— The recent riots, triggered by misinformation and targeting Muslims, highlight deep-seated Islamophobia in the UK. Despite clear evidence, politicians avoid labelling it as such, instead calling it far-right thuggery or anti-immigration protests.