Death Penalty

Why the death penalty is incompatible with democracy

— Despite the global death penalty decline, Kenneth Eugene Smith’s recent Alabama execution raises concerns about democratic principles. The crucial point is that capital punishment violates democracy itself.

2024 US Presidential Election

Two charts that reveal a key weakness in Trump’s reelection bid

— Donald Trump’s New Hampshire primary win strengthens his 2024 Republican nomination chances, but winning independents poses a challenge. The 2020 study suggests Biden’s broader appeal and likability may challenge Trump’s divisive strategy.

2024 US Presidential Election

Donald Trump and the ‘madman theory’ of foreign policy

— Donald Trump champions a ‘madman’ foreign policy, lauded by supporters for unpredictability. Critics label it reckless. Historical examples show such tactics often fail due to credibility erosion.

History

It’s a myth that England was created on the battlefield – most of it happened at the negotiating table

— Not a simple tale of English kings overcoming Vikings, the creation of England involved far more bureaucracy than the epic legends let on.

Climate Change

Why billionaires should take the lead and declare their own emissions-cutting targets

— The annual gathering in Davos showcases the hypocrisy of high-carbon lifestyles among leaders and CEOs advocating for climate action. Though systemic change is crucial, leaders setting personal emissions targets would enhance credibility and spur broader commitment.

Analysis

Some people who share fake news on social media actually think they’re helping the world

— Misinformation poses a significant risk to society, especially during key elections. While some share false information with harmful intentions, others do so unknowingly or with good intentions, aiming to make the world better.

COVID-19

COVID barely gets a mention these days – Here’s why that’s a dangerous situation

— COVID remains a significant global health threat, causing 10,000 deaths in 50 countries and a 42% increase in hospitalisations in December 2023. Complacency poses risks.

Long-Read

The scandal of the settlement scheme for EU citizens

— Last week’s focus on the Horizon Post Office scandal prompts reflection on the ongoing EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) issues affecting EU citizens in the UK, revealing a systemic problem requiring attention.

2024 US Presidential Election

US election 2024: Trump victory in Iowa caucus not as big as he may have hoped – here’s why Biden still wants him to get GOP nomination

— Donald Trump’s Iowa caucus win attracts attention, but its predictive value is historically low due to unrepresentative demographics. Media should avoid overstating Trump’s success and political resurgence based on one caucus.

Post Office Horizon IT Scandal

Post Office Horizon scandal: Four reasons why the government’s model for outsourcing is broken

— The government not only outsources the computer systems to companies like Fujitsu but all knowledge about how to operate them, maintain them and fix them when they go wrong.

Conspiracy Theories

How liberal conspiracy theories can be just as destructive as their extremist counterparts

— Liberal conspiracy theories, often dismissed as fringe, can be more damaging than their counterparts. The exaggeration of antisemitism in Labour and false Trump-Russia collusion claims showcase their negative impact.

Environment

Meat and dairy industry’s attempt to change how we measure methane emissions would let polluters off the hook

— Major polluting industries lobbied at COP28, aiming to use a new emissions measurement method to avoid substantial cuts. This new way of measuring emissions may let the biggest polluters evade their responsibility to tackle climate change.

Politics

US election: How populists encourage blind mistrust – and how to push back

— Populism is surging, exemplified by Donald Trump’s strategy of undermining trust in democratic institutions. This global trend features populist leaders portraying themselves as champions of the people, making unfounded allegations of collusion, and fostering widespread distrust.

UK Politics

As another lobbying scandal erupts in the Conservative party, are tougher rules finally on the horizon?

— Tory MP Scott Benton faces a 35-day suspension for alleged lobbying rule breaches, including leaking a gambling white paper. Lobbying regulations in the UK remain weak despite periodic scandals.

Public Health

How much could the NHS save if people had healthier lifestyles? Hundreds of millions, according to research

— Encouraging lifestyle changes like vaping, moderate alcohol intake, and increased exercise could save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds annually, improving public health and reducing economic strain.

UK Politics

How the bill to declare Rwanda a ‘safe’ country for refugees could lead to a constitutional crisis

— Rishi Sunak’s bill, deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, passes despite right-wing Tory MPs abstaining. It challenges the Supreme Court’s ruling, sparking concerns about the government’s commitment to the rule of law and constitutional principles, possibly leading to a crisis.