The current state of Ukraine and its role in US-Russia relations

Ukraine has long been at the geopolitical crossroads of East and West, a country entangled in the battle for influence between the United States and Russia. In 2025, this dynamic has only intensified, with Ukraine continuing to fight for its sovereignty amidst Russian aggression while relying heavily on Western support. Recent events, however, have complicated… Continue reading The current state of Ukraine and its role in US-Russia relations

Ceasefire in Gaza: a turning point for the region and global community

On January 15, 2025, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict that has plagued the Gaza Strip for over a year. This truce, which aims to end 15 months of intense warfare, has been met with widespread relief from those around the world who have been… Continue reading Ceasefire in Gaza: a turning point for the region and global community

Syria at a Crossroads: The Deposing of Bashar al-Assad and the Vision for a Free Future

For over a decade, Syria has been a battleground for competing interests, both domestic and foreign, with its people bearing the brunt of immense suffering. Bashar al-Assad, once seen by supporters as a stabilizing force, has now been deposed after years of civil war, economic collapse, and unrelenting pressure from inside and outside the country.… Continue reading Syria at a Crossroads: The Deposing of Bashar al-Assad and the Vision for a Free Future

The women-led uprising in Iran: a continuing struggle for change

The women-led uprising in Iran, which captured global attention a few years ago, remains a significant force for change in the region. Despite a decrease in international media coverage, the movement continues to impact not only Iran but also the broader Middle East, shaping perceptions and inspiring future generations. The Roots of the Uprising The… Continue reading The women-led uprising in Iran: a continuing struggle for change

Fast fashion: why your online returns may end up in landfill – and what can be done about it

Fashion has a notorious environmental footprint, accounting for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output. This is exacerbated by a fast fashion business model which encourages the frequent purchase of low-priced and non-durable items. Around 30% of online purchases are subsequently returned, much of which goes to landfill. In 2020, an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of returns were disposed of… Continue reading Fast fashion: why your online returns may end up in landfill – and what can be done about it

Is it wrong to steal from large corporations? A philosopher debates the ethics

Jean Valjean stealing a loaf of bread - Les Miserables (1862)

‘New UK chief inspector of constabulary, Andy Cooke, has also reportedly suggested that police should use “discretion” over whether to charge those who steal so they can eat.‘ If you ask someone whether it’s okay to steal, chances are most people would say no. This absolutist approach – stealing is wrong, no matter what –… Continue reading Is it wrong to steal from large corporations? A philosopher debates the ethics

The children of LGBTQ+ parents are being stripped of their birth certificates in Italy

{AP/Fabio Frustaci}

Prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition disapproves of LGBTQ+ couples raising children together and says the country’s laws do not allow children to have two mothers. Without warning, Michela Leidi was officially cancelled as the mother of her daughter on the infant’s birth certificate in January. ‘I cried for ten days when I opened the letter, it… Continue reading The children of LGBTQ+ parents are being stripped of their birth certificates in Italy

Britain’s ‘broken’ water system: a history of death, denial and stomach aches

In the spring of 2024, residents of the south Devon harbour town of Brixham kept falling ill. Their symptoms – including “awful stomach complaints, bad diarrhoea and severe headaches” – went on for weeks. A retired GP who ventured to the pub after finally recovering from the illness recalled that, when someone asked those present to “raise… Continue reading Britain’s ‘broken’ water system: a history of death, denial and stomach aches

Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality

Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has said that a Labour government would not raises taxes on wealth, capital gains or higher incomes. She does not, she said, see “the way to prosperity as being through taxation.” Britain is asset rich. National wealth – a mix of property, business, financial and state assets – stands at… Continue reading Poverty in Britain is firmly linked to the country’s mountain of private wealth – Labour must address this growing inequality

The fight against the climate crisis must not increase inequalities

As the impact of climate change on communities increases, researchers are concerned about growing inequalities. The most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses the importance of one aspect that is too often neglected by local action on climate change: considering the question of inequalities. Studies show that the people, communities… Continue reading The fight against the climate crisis must not increase inequalities