opinion

“There are two types of politician,” Tony Blair noted in 2012. “Those who shape reality and those who manage it.” He argued that while postwar politics mostly involved steady governance, the changing world demanded more imagination, “both in economic and international affairs.” Only a certain kind of forward-thinking leader, he

Courting Donald Trump seldom yields lasting rewards. Narendra Modi is the most recent leader to face this harsh reality. The Indian prime minister, known for his strong-handed rule, believed he had won over the ever-changing affections of his "true friend" in Washington. Their camaraderie peaked in 2019 when

It’s tempting to form quick judgments, particularly about human behavior, especially when those conclusions are unflattering. Yet sometimes, appearances are deceiving. Consider the recent experience of Celia Imrie, who hosted the 80th anniversary VJ Day event at the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire. King Charles and Queen Camilla were

India’s Diplomatic Strains with the U.S. Under Trump’s Pressure When Donald Trump secured his second term, India’s leadership likely viewed it with quiet satisfaction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s highly public efforts to cultivate a rapport with Trump, both during and after his presidency, suggested a

Fri 5 Sep 2025 17.33 CEST Last modified on Fri 5 Sep 2025 17.35 CEST A recent report highlights a shift in public opinion regarding urban development policies. Researchers found that attitudes have changed significantly compared to previous years. The study, conducted by an independent group, surveyed residents

Donald Trump’s initial response to the striking scene of China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un appearing together at a sizable military parade in Beijing was, unsurprisingly, self-centered. He dismissed the display of unity as little more than a scheme to challenge