The kettle and the cage: rising authoritarianism in the UK

A reaction to being kettled and reflection on the authoritarian turn of the British state through policing It produces a horrible feeling.  Animal instincts and feelings swell up as you are trapped in an enclosed space by other animals.  They form a tight circle around you and slowly constrict that circle, coming closer to you,… Continue reading The kettle and the cage: rising authoritarianism in the UK

Two Faces of the New Progressive Politics: Zohran Mamdani and Zack Polanski

At a time when the vocabulary of the progressive left feels hollowed out and political participation continues to decline, a handful of figures are trying to reverse the slide. In today’s shifting political landscape, progressive voices are redefining what it means to advocate for social change. Two leaders at the forefront of this movement are… Continue reading Two Faces of the New Progressive Politics: Zohran Mamdani and Zack Polanski

How Mamdani Reeled Me In

I was on the toilet when I first became acquainted with Zohran Mamdani. I wasn’t reading an article or listening to a campaign speech, but rather I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. Despite initially swiping up, it was perhaps the warmth of his smile I had glimpsed for a half second that compelled me to… Continue reading How Mamdani Reeled Me In

The politics of Dylan

Throughout 2025, mostly thanks to the film A complete Unknown hitting cinemas and a further exploration of his career, there has been a rekindling in the interest of Bob Dylan. A whole new generation of youngsters have discovered that nasally-voiced mysterious Jewish boy who roamed Greenwich village in the folk clubs and coffeehouses all those years ago.… Continue reading The politics of Dylan

Stealing Liberty – The Louvre Heist and the Unfinished Business of the French Revolution

France has a deeply chequered past; characterised by bloody battles of rebellion and uprisings. Having moved past these barbaric and rudimentary forms of protest, France has not completely forsaken their rebellious inclinations and a golden thread of revolution runs throughout the country’s history. Modern protest movements are relied upon heavily to enact social change, such as the ‘Gilet Jaune’ protests–… Continue reading Stealing Liberty – The Louvre Heist and the Unfinished Business of the French Revolution

Democracy Under Pressure: What Serbia Reveals About Europe’s Shrinking Freedoms

In recent years, Europe has started resembling a laboratory for testing and experimenting with democracy. Far-right parties are gaining ground on the continent like never before, and polls show that right-wing political ideas are becoming more and more popular in nations like Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Finland and Austria. Georgia Meloni in Italy, Fidesz (the political… Continue reading Democracy Under Pressure: What Serbia Reveals About Europe’s Shrinking Freedoms

Fascism (For Dummies): How to Spot One

What is fascism? This piece breaks the term down to its core: a myth of national rebirth, an in-group to be defended, and the scapegoats cast as enemies within. Calling someone a fascist holds a lot of weight. After all, no one wants to keep company with Nazis (right?…). I’ll admit, I’ve accused a few… Continue reading Fascism (For Dummies): How to Spot One

The Capitalisation of Hate Within Politics

Wherever you may look, whether it’s on social media, news networks or even within your local community, there seems to be an undeniable feeling of disdain and hatred, reflected by angry accusations, false news and far-right protests. Within a time of political uncertainty, where the UK’s recently elected Labour government already appears to be crumbling under pressure,… Continue reading The Capitalisation of Hate Within Politics

Blair, Farage and Political Precaution

The fact that Nigel Farage’s attitude to risk matches that of British establishment is no surprise or mere coincidence. Tony Blair was the first Prime Minister for more than a generation to have been brought up in this sense. He was only three in 1956 to remember Suez, but he was later able to recognise… Continue reading Blair, Farage and Political Precaution

MoneyHaste: Lecornu’s Quest to Renaissance France’s Budget 

If Napoleon came to power twice, then Sebastian Lecornu’s second government might be just a simple desire of Macron, following the old good French tradition of holding the power in the hands of the right circles. In just a few weeks after Lecornu made an epic “hasta la vista” comeback, France erupted in discontent. With… Continue reading MoneyHaste: Lecornu’s Quest to Renaissance France’s Budget