Iran refuses to conform to expectations, finds Nina Power
As a new theatrical tribute to Catherine the Great opens in Russia, Sally Feldman wonders what Putin’s people will make of the Empress of the Enlightenment
India's middle classes are becoming increasingly pious, says Meera Nanda
What can we learn about extremism from the memoirs of former Islamist radicals? Stephen Howe investigates
After the Russian election it may be all change at the top. But, asks Michael Binyon, who is the real winner?
True freedom requires not wealth but faith, says social theorist Stein Ringen
He speaks approvingly of Lenin and Robespierre and packs lecture halls across the world. But is “stand-up philosopher” Slavoj Žižek serious? asks John Clark
For many years the government has been in bed with the Islamists of the Muslim Council of Britain. But, finds Dave Rich, the tide is turning
Michael Binyon reviews an horrific memoir from the Chechen wars
High flying, visual acrobatics, visceral shocks – Russia’s greatest director used the tricks of the circus to captivate the crowds. Owen Hatherley takes a seat in Eisenstein’s big top