Maha Rafi Atal, University of Glasgow The trade deal between the US and the European Union, squeezed in days before the re-introduction of Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs, is reflective of the new politics of global trade. Faced with the threat of 30% baseline tariffs from Washington, as well as additional levies on
Ph. Getty Images Karen Scott, University of Canterbury The announcement this week by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the recognition of a Palestininian state has been welcomed by many who want to see a ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in the region. In contrast to other recent statements on the status
Conor O’Kane, Bournemouth University The beginning of August marks the latest deadline for US president Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariff policy. This era of chaos and uncertainty began on April 2 and the situation remaims fluid. With the deadline for partners to secure a deal with Washington now passed, it’s a good time
Stuart Fox, University of Exeter When we look at how people vote in elections and why they choose certain parties, analysis often focuses on age, education, location or socioeconomic status. Less discussed in Britain is religion. But close to two-thirds of its adults are still religious – expressing either a religious identity, holding
Rose Nakayi, Makerere University and Jörg Wiegratz, University of Leeds Populism is rife in various African countries. This political ideology responds to and takes advantage of a situation where a large section of people feels exploited, marginalised or disempowered. It sets up “the people” against “the other”. It promises solidarity with the excluded
Ph. From left to right: António Costa (President of the European Council), Xi Jinping (President of the People’s Republic of China) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) at the opening of the 25th EU-China summit in Beijing, China. European Union Gracia Abad Quintanal, Universidad Nebrija Half a century after
Jennifer Mathers, Aberystwyth University Protests have erupted in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities against a new law that threatens the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. The legislation was hastily passed on July 22 by parliament and signed by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, that same day. It places Ukraine’s national anti-corruption bureau and
Ali Mamouri, Deakin University Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar. Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a “lack of desire to reach a ceasefire”. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio watch Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on television after the House passed the bill on July 3, 2025. Joyce N. Boghosian/White House via AP Beverly Moran, Vanderbilt University President Donald Trump has said the “big, beautiful bill” he signed into law on July
F Armstrong Photography/Shutterstock Are Skeie Hermansen, University of Oslo; Andrew Penner, University of California, Irvine, and Marta M. Elvira, IESE Business School (Universidad de Navarra) As many countries grapple with ageing populations, falling birthrates, labour shortages and fiscal pressures, the ability to successfully integrate immigrants is becoming an increasingly pressing matter. However, our