“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”

- Bertrand Russell

About Mark Perryman

Articles by Mark Perryman

After the Games: the good the bad and the Orbit

Mark Perryman 14 August 2012

With the Olympics over Mark Perryman reflects on the ups, downs and thereabouts. London 2012 has been internationally lauded as a success, but a better Games was possible and we should not allow the euphoria to obscure that critique.

Will the success of Team GB's women prove to be a game changer?

Mark Perryman 10 August 2012

One of the most positive outcomes of Team GB’s success has been the prominence of Women Athletes winning medals. Author of a new book on the Olympics Mark Perryman considers the likely long-term impact.

Beyond the pitch, track and ring: a guide to Olympian reading

Mark Perryman 7 August 2012

With London 2012 drawing to a close, Mark Perryman rounds up the books which can help us to understand the long term significance of the Games.

A day at the London Olympics: positives and negatives

Mark Perryman 31 July 2012

Mark Perryman spent a day at the Olympic Park in East London and concludes that the Games are a good thing - but could be so much better.

A home Games - but for whom?

Mark Perryman 27 July 2012

With the start of the London 2012 Games upon us, Mark Perryman questions the over-centralisation of the games and their 'Olympic mismanagement'.

A ring of steel for the five rings

Mark Perryman 19 July 2012

The London 2012 security mess isn’t just about staff shortages. Mark Perryman asks just who the abundant precautions are there to protect.

A Games of two halves

Mark Perryman 13 July 2012

With his book offering a blueprint for a better Olympics, published this week, author Mark Perryman explains his Five New Rings.

Keeping the flags flying

Mark Perryman 28 June 2012

With England out of Euro 2012 on penalties, the flag-waving build up for the Olympics begins in earnest. Mark Perryman explores the changing shape of sports nationalism, and internationalism.

London's Calling: 'fan zones' and corporate space at Euro 2012

Mark Perryman 22 June 2012

Euro 2012, Le Tour and the London Olympics. Each reveal differing ways in which sport is controlled and consumed. Mark Perryman reports from the Ukraine on how vested interests are threatening the authentic participation of athletes and supporters alike.

Tickets, anybody got tickets?

Mark Perryman 7 June 2012

The claim that the 2012 Games are a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for the UK is diminished by London-centrism and a shortage of tickets. Mark Perryman outlines how this could have been avoided and alternative preperations made, more condusive to the democratic potential of the Olympics.

It’s the Taking Part...

Mark Perryman 1 June 2012

Participation is one of the main legacy claims of the London 2012 Games. Mark Perryman, author of a forthcoming book on the Olympics, examines the evidence.

I am England? We are England

Mark Perryman 23 April 2010

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever your faith, or none, we are all England. This is the message of the 'I am England' campaign launched today on St George's Day with less than two months to go to the World Cup.

April general election competition

Mark Perryman 12 April 2010

WIN AN ARUNDHATI ROY T-SHIRT IN OUR MARCH COMPETITION

Mark Perryman 17 March 2010

Win a T-shirt from Philosophy football.

This week's editor

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Europe from the bottom up

European Union stars in Paris. Flickr/notarim. Some rights reserved.

A new Europe can only come from the bottom up
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A social Europe must be a political Europe
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As Europe is provincialized: a reply to Etienne Balibar
Sandro Mezzadra

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A republican call for a basic income
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