Editorial: Toxic mix
From Russia to India, France to Iran, come particular examples of a general rule – religion and politics are a toxic mix
Politics & Conflict
Spongers
Why shouldn’t people have to earn the right to be housed? Julian Baggini gets back to basics
Malls & Mausoleums
Iran refuses to conform to expectations, finds Nina Power
A Tsar is born
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
Rush hour of the gods
India's middle classes are becoming increasingly pious, says Meera Nanda
True confessions
What can we learn about extremism from the memoirs of former Islamist radicals? Stephen Howe investigates
Russian roulette
After the Russian election it may be all change at the top. But, asks Michael Binyon, who is the real winner?
Taking liberties
True freedom requires not wealth but faith, says social theorist Stein Ringen
Acting up
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
Fall out
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