As we all try to work out what Russia thought she was doing by invading Georgia, another question springs to mind: What is Russia for? Continue reading →

August 4, 2008
by Nosemonkey
2 Comments

The Russian Ozymandias

Alexsandr Solzhenitsyn, literary giant of the Soviet era, is dead. His final masterpiece remains unfinished. Yet perhaps this is for the best… Continue reading →

July 28, 2008
by Nosemonkey
5 Comments

Eurozone in trouble?

Ten years after its foundation, the European Central Bank is getting its first big test. Can it – and the Eurozone – survive the coming recession? Continue reading →

July 15, 2008
by Nosemonkey
16 Comments

Why Belgium?

Another Belgian governmental crisis. But hell, it’s only Belgium, right? What’s worth getting so het up about? To find out, we need to go back more than 2,000 years… Continue reading →

July 14, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment

A shift in focus: History and Culture

I’ve been getting bored with politics. It’s time to diversify. Here’s the plan… Continue reading →

June 24, 2008
by Nosemonkey
15 Comments

EU problems and priorities

The EU needs to know what it is that it should be doing if it’s to work out what is the best way forward from its ongoing Constitutional/Lisbon Treaty navel-gazing. Let’s help… Continue reading →

June 14, 2008
by Nosemonkey
8 Comments

Lessons from America for the EU

After the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, fresh visions of the EU are bound to be suggested. Here’s a start at mine… Continue reading →

June 6, 2008
by Nosemonkey
9 Comments

What is the EU for?

Six days to go to the Irish Lisbon Treaty referendum and it’s not looking good for the “Yes” camp. But why? Continue reading →