Zarina Mukasheva
The EU has a grand vision for democracy across the globe, and Central Asia is no exception. However, writes Zarina Mukasheva, the EU’s strategy to promote democracy in the region has so far failed to deliver. Read more
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa and James F. Downes argue that the EU faces a dilemma: should it pursue continued enlargement, or contract its membership by removing troublesome member state Hungary? Reaching a decision involves a complex trade-off between the need to increase EU influence and to maintain a unified, cohesive membership. Read more
Frédéric Strack
In the 2024 US presidential campaign, neither Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump are making religion an issue. Yet, argues Frédéric Strack, religion plays a significant role in differentiating the Republican and Democratic approaches to politics, as reflected in this summer’s Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Read more
Kate Hawkins
In 2022, The Loop inaugurated a Best Blog prize to reward a contribution of exceptional value. We have now conferred our second £500 prize on the author of a blog piece judged by our independent jury to be the best in that calendar year. Managing Editor Kate Hawkins presents the longlisted articles — and the jury reveals what gave our 2023 winner the edge. Read more
Richard Johnson
Ahead of the first debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Richard Johnson explores whether the outcome will have any real impact on voting behaviour in the US on 5 November. Read more
Catherine Moury
One of the reasons political scientists are silent on the Israel-Gaza conflict is the fear of being marginalised by the community, writes Catherine Moury. She suggests concrete actions scholars could take to avoid normalising what she – and many fellow academics – consider is nothing short of genocide. Read more
Firuze Simay Sezgin
In a world where ideological divides typically shape alliances, an unlikely partnership emerges between leftists and conservative Islamists, united in their opposition to war. This unexpected collaboration challenges conventional perceptions, writes Firuze Simay Sezgin, raising questions about the potential for dialogue and peace between seemingly irreconcilable worldviews. Read more
Jacob Wentz
Jacob Wentz analyses populist rhetoric and communication strategies in the election campaigns of Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni. Both leaders adopt similar approaches, criticising traditional media, personalising politics, and using language that marginalises immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. We should not, he argues, underestimate the power of their rhetoric. Read more
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