Miliband's speech on welfare in Britain opened up new political space
With Labour's move, the shape of Britain's welfare state is clearly entering a period of fundamental realignment. This month's speech on social security and the reform of the welfare state was a big...
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Can China be a normative power?
Until now, the west has been attempting to tell China how to behave when it comes to human rights. But things are changing. Increasingly, China is engaging in international debate over rights. Does...
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Encouraging stronger engagement by emerging powers on human rights
Resentment of the west is making emerging powers hold back when they could be using their strengths and experiences to challenge the world’s abusive regimes. Translations: Español.Flickr/Government ZA....
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Turkey’s silent minority standing proud for the first time
Ten years of majoritarian style AKP rule has turned Turkey into a polarized country, increasingly torn apart between contrasting worldviews and lifestyles.A man wears a Turkish flag during one of...
View ArticleBrazil, a crisis of representation
A protest wave in Brazil embodies new ideas of political community that challenge the country's old social practices and centralised structures, says Arthur Ituassu.It was, is, a political earthquake....
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From the shadows into the light – and back again
Poet and performer Olga Krause traces her life as a lesbian in Russia—from Soviet times, when the word itself was barely known, through increasing acceptance, and back to a newly violent and hostile...
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Do Russians give a damn about homosexuality?
Popular support is usually one of the reasons offered in support of Russia’s new anti-gay laws. But to what extent does polling actually support such assertions? Alexander Kondakov presents the latest...
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ERT, Polish populism and Ikaria - weekly comments roundup
A look at this week's best reader comments on our Can Europe make it? debate. One of the most shocking news items of the past week was the sudden closure of Greek public broadcaster ERT. Although after...
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A Different Childhood
What is the experience of growing up gay in Russia? oDRussia publishes extracts of Sergey Khazov's semi-autobiographical novel — longlisted for a literary award in 2010, but deemed 'too politically...
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Can Brazil promote change without changing itself?
Brazil has an adroit capacity to identify problems in the way human rights are being addressed internationally. But Brazil needs to set an example through its own actions. Translations: Português,...
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Can India be an international human rights leader?
As an emerging economy with a growing work force, India believes it should have a voice in global affairs. No one disagrees. But then, on crucial foreign policy issues, India should take initiatives...
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When you've been tortured does it matter who your torturer was?
The UK immigration authorities are not permitted to detain victims of torture. But what is torture? A human rights worker reflects on a recent high court judgement.Last month in the high court in...
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After neoliberalism? Introduction to the Kilburn Manifesto
Doreen Massey introduces the Kilburn Manifesto from Soundings, an ambitious 12 month project that looks to map out alternatives for the post-08 world. OurKingdom will be publishing accompanying...
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Life in the Chechen closet
Umar is 25 and from Gudermes in Chechnya. He is gay. What can the future hold for him in the macho, dzhigit, society he inhabits? He talked to Kseniya Leonova, the first time he has told anyone his...
View ArticleThe fruits of our Labour? Resisting health and education privatisation in the UK
Last week’s speech by UK Shadow Education Secretary Stephen Twigg raised alarm bells amongst both education and health campaigners. On the eve of the People’s Assembly and Labour’s Policy Forum, two...
View ArticleSyria’s critical role in the Iranian presidential election
Syria’s agony has been a critical factor in the surprise outcome of Iran’s presidential election. Iran’s Supreme Leader has risked a second opening to the west by allowing Dr Hassan Rouhani’s election...
View ArticleSyria: intervention - or the great power game?
Rather than giving the opposition a decisive means to victory, arms to Syria will only prolong the violence and suggest a grander agenda: rebalancing regional power. Syria – the death toll reaches...
View ArticleMaking a difference? The US decision to supply military aid to Syria
Arming Syrian rebel forces could tip the balance and break the deadlock - at the negotiating table. Following a meeting with the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, the UK Foreign Secretary, William...
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The Windrush docks in Britain - 65 years on today
A foundational moment in the story of multi-ethnic Britain, and brought to life in Danny Boyle's Olympic ceremony, the Windrush is an integral part of the modern British narrative and its relevance...
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Just another poor boy
Our Sunday Comics columnist reflects on the various origins of poor boysINLET BEACH, FLA – I am in Paradise without a poboy. A hermit from New Orleans, lonesome for the proximity of a decent sandwich...
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