The author, an active Labour Party member, reflects on David Lammy’s book ‘Tribes,’ which explores tribalism’s impact on society and politics. Lammy’s investigative journey into his diverse ancestry shapes a narrative of social mobility and personal struggle, culminating in political engagement as a Black MP. The writing is honest and compelling, appealing to a broad audience.
The post dedicates Vangelis’s “One More Kiss, Dear” to Labour MP Jessica Morden for her dedication to the Caldicot and Newport East area since 2005. The author reflects on their friendship and her support in mental health advocacy. They encourage political engagement and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, highlighting the importance of community representation.
View More Vangelis – One More Kiss, Dear (for Jessica Morden MP)
This Chatham House event is chaired by Hayder Al-Shakeri, MENA Programme. On the panel are: Merissa Khurma, CEO AMENA Strategy, Mondher Tounsi, University of Oxford, Nissrine Ait Haji, Entrepreneur and Youth Activist. This is about how Gen Z are shaping protests in North Africa specifically in Morocco and Tunisia. How…
View More Chatham House: How Gen Z is reshaping protest in North Africa
The Christmas Lights were turned on yesterday evening in Caldicot Town Centre. There were speeches by local Labour Party political representatives, Catherine Fookes MP and John Griffiths MS There was a live performance by Severn Tunnel Band. Severnside Labour stall Catherine Fookes MP, John Griffiths MS and Cllr Angela Sandles…
View More Christmas Lights Caldicot 2025
The Chatham House event focused on the UK’s defense obligations and spending, highlighting concerns about readiness for potential conflicts, particularly with Russia. Discussions emphasized the need for urgent action to enhance defense capabilities, accountability in spending, and a national dialogue on strategic priorities. Comparisons to Germany and Poland revealed the UK lagging in defense investment.
View More Chatham House: Can the UK afford to fight a war?
Donald Trump’s engagement with Belarus’ leader Lukashenka raises concerns about empowering Russia and affecting Ukraine policies. While some view this as a pragmatic approach, critics argue it undermines Western sanctions and strengthens a totalitarian regime. The dynamics surrounding the release of political prisoners highlight ongoing geopolitical complexities and the challenge of promoting democracy in Belarus.
View More Chatham House: Is Donald Trump right on Belarus?
Zeinab Badawi’s book offers an Afrocentric perspective on African history, challenging colonial narratives and highlighting the contributions of African civilizations. It discusses figures like Mansa Musa and Shaka Zulu, emphasizing the region’s advanced cultures despite historical exploitation. The text encourages readers to explore a non-mainstream understanding of Africa’s rich heritage and contemporary issues.
View More Review: An African History of Africa – by Zeinab Badawi
The Chatham House meeting, in collaboration with SNF Agora Institute, discussed the pressures facing democracy today amid rising authoritarianism and declining public confidence. Key topics included youth engagement, technological impact on democratic practices, and the need for practical reforms, particularly in the MENA region. The conversation highlighted the importance of resilience, collective action, and the voices of young people in shaping a more effective democracy.
View More Chatham House: Democratic resilience in a disrupted world
Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s foreign minister, outlines post-civil war plans to rebuild international relations and internal governance. The new regime aims for inclusivity, economic investment, and transitional justice while addressing community trust. He emphasizes a pragmatic approach towards rebuilding, focusing on diplomatic ties, especially with the UK and Turkey, amidst regional challenges.
View More Chatham House: A foreign policy for the new Syria
Recent violence in Libya highlights Turkey’s growing political and military influence there. Turkey aims to be a regional power, pursuing security assistance and economic interests. Despite temporary conflict resolution efforts, tensions persist, raising concerns about a potential war. Turkey faces dilemmas with local power dynamics while navigating complex foreign relationships and corruption risks.
View More Chatham House: Turkey’s evolving role in Libya
Chatham House is an esteemed think tank where I engage in discussions on international issues, particularly on Venezuela. Today’s meeting covers U.S. policies and Trump’s view on Venezuelan narcotrafficking, which many believe lacks foundation. The session explores regional influences, Cuba’s potential role, and the broader implications for U.S.-Latin America relations.
View More Chatham House: Member’s Question Time: Is the US pushing regime change in Venezuela? Why now?
I was invited to join this Labour Party Zoom meeting about the NHS with a presentation by Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health. Wes talked about how the NHS has been at the centre of this country’s politics since its formation in 1948. He spoke of the dangers of…
View More Labour Party Zoom Meeting on NHS with Wes Streeting, Health Secretary
Tom Bingham, a distinguished British judge, explores the Rule of Law in his concise book. He discusses its principles, their application in the UK, and contrasts them with foreign interpretations. The text examines Human Rights and legal fairness, offering valuable insights for aspiring law students while highlighting the flaws in the British Justice System.
View More Review: The Rule of Law – by Tom Bingham
Artificial Intelligence or AI is a real technology buzz word. It has dominated global news stories and is seen as the great new leap forward in modern technology that will have a transformative effect on all our daily lives. Whereas the advantages to the civilian sector seem positive, good and…
View More Review: AI, Automation, And War – The Rise Of A Military-Tech Complex – by Anthony King
Drawing on material from two out of the three strands of DD102 study materials, discuss some of the ways in which differences and inequalities can both change and persist over time. The two topics I have chosen from two strands are City Road, Cardiff from the introductory strand, which looks…
View More Differences and Inequalities