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Articles by subject: politics

Saint for all seasons (by Sally Feldman, May/June 2012 ): The front runners are men, but could a woman born more than half a millennium ago hold the key to the French elections? asks Sally Feldman
The death of American secularism (by Jacques Berlinerblau, May/June 2012 ): Who is America's leading secularist? Thats right, there isn't one. And if someone effective doesn't start speaking up for the seperation of church and state soon, it could be lost for good, argues Jacques Berlinerblau
Is your brain right-wing? (by Chris Mooney, May/June 2012 ): Political differences have their origin in the way we are wired, according to research in cognitive neuroscience. It’s offering a whole new perspective on politics that we ignore at our peril, argues Chris Mooney
How to defend free speech (by Nick Cohen, March/April 2012 ): With the persecution of Salman Rushdie, the continuing furore over ‘offensive cartoons’, and polluters, dictators and terrorist bagmen using British libel law to shield their misdeeds from public scrutiny, the opponents of free speech have never had it so good. This is Nick Cohen’s ten-point plan to stop the rot, protect free expression and turn back the tide of outrage that threatens our right to speak
The growing threat to abortion rights (by Sarah Ditum, March/April 2012 ): Nadine Dorries may have suffered defeats in Parliament, but the anti-choice lobby continues gain in strength, warns Sarah Ditum
What's wrong with university? Laurie Taylor interviews Stefan Collini (by Laurie Taylor, March/April 2012 ): Amid the research targets and funding reforms our once world-leading centres for higher learning have lost their way. Laurie Taylor meets Stefan Collini, the Cambridge don mounting a fight back
Q&A: Tom Watson (by Editorial Staff, March/April 2012 ): The MP for West Bromwich East and Deputy Chair of the Labour Party Tom Watson has made his name as the relentless pursuer of tabloid hackers as a member of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, even comparing James Murdoch to a mafia boss. We hacked into his private thoughts to find out what makes him tick
In God They Trust (by Abby Ohlheiser, January/February 2012 ): As the US enters primary season ahead of the 2012 elections, Abby Ohlheiser assesses the chances of the “God and Guns” Republicans hoping to challenge Obama in November
Burden of proof: should evidence determine policy? (by Richard Wilson, January/February 2012 ): A growing number of activists are calling for science to play a larger role in policy. But will it work? Richard Wilson asks the experts
A time to sow (by Paul Sims, January/February 2012 ): After a year of revolts in the Arab world, is the region reaping the rewards of freedom? Paul Sims talks to veteran Middle East watcher Fuad Nahdi
Memory loss (by Thomas Land, January/February 2012 ): A rewritten Hungarian constitution is part of a Europe-wide process of evading responsibility for the crimes of the past, says Thomas Land
Editorial: Oh my America (by Caspar Melville, January/February 2012 ): Faith and the American way
The revolution is coming (by Sally Feldman, November/December 2011 ): Can orgasms change the world? Sally Feldman revisits the politics of the climax
Egypt's three revolutionary fronts (by Austin Mackell, September/October 2011 ): As Egypt prepares for post-Mubarak elections, could the activists of Tahrir Square be in danger of losing out to more reactionary forces? asks Austin Mackell
Faith in the Big Society (by James Gray, September/October 2011 ): David Cameron would like religious groups to deliver public services. But can they be trusted? asks James Gray
Book review: The Tyranny of Choice by Renata Salecl (by Nina Power, September/October 2011 ): Nina Power appreciates a sharp critique of consumerism
Editorial: Big talk (by Caspar Melville, September/October 2011 ): David Cameron says Britain is broken. But can the Big Society fix it?
A Fatah-Hamas truce is good for Palestinians (by Sami Zubaida, July/August 2011 ): The Arab Spring is aiding political reconciliation in Gaza, explains Sami Zubaida
Trace elements: Laurie Taylor interviews Stuart Hall (by Laurie Taylor, May/June 2011 ): Stuart Hall talks to Laurie Taylor about race, relativism and revolution
Book review: Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven (by Stephen Howe, May/June 2011 ): Stephen Howe discovers the best book to be written on modern Pakistan
Book review: 33 Revolutions Per Minute by Dorian Lynskey (by Andrew Mueller, March/April 2011 ): Andrew Mueller has fun with an intelligent history of protest songs
Kitchen sink drama (by Sally Feldman, March/April 2011 ): On International Women's Day Sally Feldman asks is it a coincidence that women are being driven back into the home?
What I owe the library (by Philip Pullman, March/April 2011 ): We can't do without our private places to read and think, says novelist Philip Pullman
Quite contrary: inside the Battle of Ideas (by Richard Wilson, January/February 2011 ): The associates of the Institute of Ideas certainly have a talent for getting noticed. But is there more to them than hollow liberal-baiting? asks Richard Wilson
Calm down, old boy: Laurie Taylor interviews Simon Heffer (by Laurie Taylor, November/December 2010 ): Telegraph thunderer Simon Heffer reveals to Laurie Taylor what it’s like being right
Aid wars (by Susie Linfield, September/October 2010 ): Mired in controversy from Afghanistan to Sudan, humanitarianism itself is in crisis. Susie Linfield surveys the battlefield
Lies, damn lies and Chinese science (by Sam Geall, September/October 2010 ): The People's Republic is becoming a technological superpower, but who's checking the facts? Sam Geall seeks out the Chinese science cops
No nonsense: Laurie Taylor interviews Mary Warnock (by Laurie Taylor, September/October 2010 ): Philosopher Mary Warnock tells Laurie Taylor why religion and politics shouldn’t mix
Because you're worth it? (by Ben Fine, September/October 2010 ): It can cure cancer, make you rich and even foster world peace, claim its advocates. But what proof is there, asks Ben Fine, that social capital has any benefits at all?
Farewell Gordon (by Francis Beckett, September/October 2010 ): Francis Beckett reviews two books telling the inside story of the implosion of New Labour
Of human greed: Laurie Taylor interviews David Harvey (by Laurie Taylor, July/August 2010 ): A search for the reasons for the economic meltdown has prompted a turn back to Marx. Laurie Taylor meets the “dialectical materialist” geographer David Harvey who, 40 years into his career, is suddenly being taken seriously
Who are you calling a fanatic? (by Alberto Toscano, July/August 2010 ): Rationalists should think twice about using a term which has, in its day, been used to condemn those who struggle for freedom and equality, says Alberto Toscano
Book review: Neoconservatism by Justin Vaisse (by Anatol Lieven, July/August 2010 ): Anatol Lieven assesses the past and future of an idea
The New Old World by Perry Anderson (by Stephen Howe, March/April 2010 ): Stephen Howe on Perry Anderson's monumental analysis of Europe
Diary: The gradual anarchist (by Stan Cohen, March/April 2010 ): Stan Cohen remembers Colin Ward, the opposite of the cloak-and-dagger image of the anarchist
Cast away (by Paul Sims, March/April 2010 ): How humanist are the three main parties? With the general election fast approaching, Paul Sims has been canvassing
Editorial: Just believe (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2010 ): It seems that anti-science is on the rise, but hopefully we've found the antidote
The God Market: How Globalisation is Making India More Hindu by Meera Nanda (by Edna Fernandes, January/February 2010 ): Edna Fernandes isn't quite convinced by an explanation of India's religious nationalism
After the watershed (by Caspar Melville, November/December 2009 ): The American sociologist Manning Marable, who died in April 2011, was one of his country's most acute social analysts. In this interview from 2009 he talks to editor Caspar Melville about race, Katrina and the prospects of the first black President
The Arabs: A History by Eugene Rogan (by Stephen Howe, November/December 2009 ): Stephen Howe on a new history of the Arabs
Mills and minarets (by Paul Sims, May/June 2009 ): The proving grounds for the government's policy to prevent home-grown Jihad are the industrial towns of the North. Paul Sims investigates
Freedom's foghorn (by Roger Davidson, May/June 2009 ): Happy Birthday Tom Paine: Jan 29. Here's something we prepared earlier...Roger Davidson marks the 200th anniversary of the passing of Tom Paine, an inspirational ego
Not with a bang but a simper (by Michael Neumann, May/June 2009 ): Fear, resentment and complacency have undone English liberty, says Michael Neumann
In praise of the coup (by Paul Collier, March/April 2009 ): Military takeovers can be a good thing for African democracy. Paul Collier makes the case
Blog standard (by Stephen Howe, March/April 2009 ): How well does online punditry translate on the printed page? Stephen Howe finds out
Fault lines (by Francis Beckett, March/April 2009 ): The miners' strike of 1984 changed British politics forever, argues Francis Beckett
Unsafe havens (by Rahila Gupta, January/February 2009 ): The Government is planning tougher penalties for men who use trafficked prostitutes. But who is helping the women themselves? Rahila Gupta uncovers a distributing trend
Faith healers (by Edna Fernandes, September/October 2008 ): Peace through religious understanding is an admirable goal, argues Edna Fernandes. But who should be paying for it?
Fathers under fire (by Elizabeth Wilson, September/October 2008 ): Elizabeth Wilson on the new scapegoats
Speak up (by Sally Feldman, September/October 2008 ): Why do women screech when men shout? Sally Feldman explores the sexual politics of the voice
Torch bearers (by Paul Sims, July/August 2008 ): Politics, religion and money may be wrestling to control the Olympics. But, argues Paul Sims, they’ll never be a match for the sheer drama
On neutral ground (by Paul Kelly, July/August 2008 ): We have already invented a way for the devout and the godless to get along in public, says Paul Kelly. We just have to believe in it
Editorial: The real new media (by Caspar Melville, July/August 2008 ): Time for tough thinking
Russia: A Journey to the Heart of a Land and its People by Jonathan Dimbleby (by Michael Binyon, July/August 2008 ): Michael Binyon tours Russia with Jonathan Dimbleby
Power to the pulpit (by James Crabtree, May/June 2008 ): Religion has always been an election issue in America. But in the current campaign, argues James Crabtree, it’s not just the Republicans who are courting the faith vote
Russian roulette (by Michael Binyon, March/April 2008 ): After the Russian election it may be all change at the top. But, asks Michael Binyon, who is the real winner?
Malls & Mausoleums (by Nina Power, March/April 2008 ): Iran refuses to conform to expectations, finds Nina Power
Spongers (by Julian Baggini, March/April 2008 ): Why shouldn’t people have to earn the right to be housed? Julian Baggini gets back to basics
Taking liberties (by Stein Ringen, January/February 2008 ): True freedom requires not wealth but faith, says social theorist Stein Ringen
Making Islam Democratic: Social Movements and the Post-Islamic Turn by Asef Bayat (by Sami Zubaida, September/October 2007 ): Sami Zubaida questions Islamic democracy
Editorial: He did God (by Caspar Melville, May/June 2007 ): Tony Blair helped bring the toxic certainties of religious belief back into politics and culture. Let's hope Gordon Brown doesn't do the same, says Caspar Melville
Party girl (by Imogen Edwards-Jones, September/October 2006 ): Imogen Edwards-Jones plots a new career path
Eric, Eileen and Norah (by Jenny Joseph, September/October 2006 ): Newly discovered letters shed light on the inner life of Orwell's wife, writes Jenny Joseph
Castro at 80 (by Isabella Thomas, July/August 2006 ): Fidel Castro's reign over Cuba has been characterised by conservatism and authoritarianism, says Isabella Thomas
New testaments (by Carol Lee, May/June 2006 ): 30 years after the Soweto uprising, Carol Lee meets some survivors
Best of enemies (by Steven Lukes, May/June 2006 ): Capitalism and central planning need each other, argues Steven Lukes
Continental rift (by Rosemary Bechler, March/April 2006 ): We first reported on Dyab Abou Jahjah, the controversial leader of Belgium's Arab European League, in July 2004. Since then French riots and the cartoon crisis have raised his profile. At a meeting in Rotterdam he debated with equally controversial Muslim advocate Tariq Ramadan. Rosemary Bechler was there
Culture's revenge: Laurie Taylor interviews Stuart Hall (by Laurie Taylor, March/April 2006 ): Disillusioned but not defeated, Stuart Hall talks to Laurie Taylor about the limits of liberalism
Against the tide (by Stephen Howe, March/April 2006 ): Stephen Howe wallows in left melancholia
I may be a Tory, but... (by Simon Heffer, September/October 2005 ): Conservative columnist Simon Heffer makes a confession
EU ain't seen nothin' yet (by Mark Leonard, March/April 2005 ): Mark Leonard argues that the future of politics lies in the European model of cooperation and rule of law
Whatever it takes (by Simon Hoggart, March/April 2005 ): It's going to be a truly horrid election, predicts Simon Hoggart
Where will you put your cross? (by Nick Cohen, March/April 2005 ): In the run-up to the election, parties are promising the world to religious groups. But what can they offer to the average humanist? We asked the parties for their positions on key questions. First, Nick Cohen gives his view on how they measure up.
'Yids, spicks and spades' (by Martin Rowson, November/December 2004 ): It's Martin Rowson gone mad!
Getting correctness right (by Editorial Staff, September/October 2004 ): Political correctness has gone mad, declared the Leader of the Opposition Michael Howard in a recent speech.
Blue Period (by Simon Hoggart, September/October 2004 ): The reason its so tough being Tory leader, suggests Simon Hoggart, is that you just cant get the staff these days
Assault on freedom (by Nick Cohen, September/October 2004 ): Nick Cohen deplores the sinister absurdity of Blunkett's latest proposal for dealing with religious hatred
Moral Monopoly (by Evan Harris, July/August 2004 ): Evan Harris warns of the dangers of religious lobbying
What the butler saw (by Tom Baldwin, January/February 2004 ): Tom Baldwin sees some queer goings on behind closed doors
Back to the USSR? (by Michael Binyon, January/February 2004 ): In the wake of Russia's recent, widely criticised elections, Michael Binyon asks whether Putin is taking his country back to a Soviet past
Hammer and Crescent (by Amanda Day, January/February 2004 ): A potential electoral force is emerging from the antiwar movement. But why is a supposedly progressive grouping making room for religious conservatives, asks Amanda Day?
This is my Truth: Laurie Taylor interviews Clare Short (by Laurie Taylor, November/December 2003 ): Clare Short talks to Laurie Taylor about faith, doubt and the resignation that never was
Posthumous Prejudice (by Tom Baldwin, Winter 2002 ): Tom Baldwin on how to stay straight after death
Vote Pilate (by Tom Baldwin, Autumn 2002 ): Tom Baldwin catches the politicans at prayer
Notes of a reluctant Royalist (by Simon Hoggart, Summer 2002 ): In Jubilee year Simon Hoggart analyses the case for retaining the monarchy
Le Pen - Reflections from an Expatriate in Westminster (by Laure Thomas, Summer 2002 ): Laure Thomas, a researcher for Dr Evan Harris, MP, reflects on the shock Le Pen vote from the perspective of a French woman.
Democracy: Crisis or Cure (by Graham Allen, Spring 2002 ): Labour MP, Graham Allen thinks that the Prime Minister's presidential style needs curtailing.
Cosmopolitan Emotions? (by Martha Nussbaum, Winter 2001 ): When disaster falls or tragedy strikes, what are the borders of our emotions and our compassion?
The New American Theocracy (by Paul Kurtz, Winter 2001 ): The land of the free is becoming the land of the religious right and the reaction to the World Trade Center attacks proves the point, says Paul Kurtz.
Dissent in the House (by Jennifer Coombes, Winter 2001 ): Were our elected representatives speaking with one voice post-September 11th? No, dissent was still to be heard.
The Democratic Deficity (by Roy Brown, Summer 2001 ): Roy Brown calls for a return to democracy in the UK
Parliamentary Column (by Dr Evan Harris, Summer 2001 ): MP Evan Harris on ethics in the chamber
Towards Enlightenment (by Frank Furedi, Spring 2001 ): Politics needs Enlightenment says Frank Furedi
Parliamentary Column (by Dr Evan Harris, Spring 2001 ): MP Evan Hariss looks at the parliamentary battle of human embryos
Doubt and Dubya (by Paul Kurtz, Spring 2001 ): How should an American humanist vote, asks Paul Kurtz
Backlash (by Mary Honeyball, Web Exclusive, July 2008): A simple suggestion that MPs leave their religious views outside Parliament turned me into a hate figure for Labour Party Catholics, says Mary Honeyball
Iran's green future (by Kerem Oktem, Web Exclusive, November 2009): This week's protests are a sign of the uncontainable anger of the people says Kerem Oktem
Champions of free speech? (by Simon Garnett, Web Exclusive, January 2010): Writing in New Humanist, Sherry Jones says Serbs have embraced the Jewel of Medina because they know the value of free expression. But could the reasons be more profane? asks Simon Garnett
It's about Egypt not Islam (by Mona Eltahawy, Web Exclusive, February 2011): Mubarak has gone, now what? Mona Eltahawy has a message for those worrying about an Islamic take-over in Egypt
“Dear God help me die standing” (by Nasrin Alavi, Web Exclusive, February 2011): As the wave of protest resurfaces in Iran, the desperate regime is setting Ninja thugs on the crowds and murdered activists are being claimed as state martyrs. Nasrin Alavi reports
Saving the Lords Spiritual (by Alice Onwordi, Web Exclusive, April 2011): With defeat likely in next week’s AV referendum, Nick Clegg’s hopes will lie with reforming the House of Lords. But he looks set to compromise and keep the bishops in place, reports Alice Onwordi
Renovation not demolition (by Austin Mackell, Web Exclusive, June 2011): As Egypt looks ahead to elections, Austin Mackell meets a representative of one of the Islamic parties vying for control
Freethinking in the Arab Spring (by Max Opray, Web Exclusive, July 2011): Expressing irreligious views can be dangerous in the Middle East but, for the region's largest group of online rationalists, the Egyptian revolution is a cause for optimism, finds Max Opray
A theocracy on the Nile? (by Austin Mackell, Web Exclusive, January 2012): The triumph of the Islamist parties in Egypt's elections has raised fears of a religious takeover of the state. Austin Mackell reports from Cairo
Geeks of the world unite (by Adam Smith, Web Exclusive, May 2012): Mark Henderson’s new book calls for the pro-science lobby to get political. Adam Smith meets him