The dinner-party is a symbol of complacent presumption, the last occasion to be associated with genuine dialogue or the jolt of rethinking. But it’s possible to renew the ritual in surprising ways - and really caring about the food is just the start, says Keith Kahn-Harris.
Today, parliament will debate an amendment on abortion counseling. Supported by pro-life Christian groups, the amendment has provoked controversy, forcing the government to withdraw support
The slow implosion of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s was echoed in the internal divisions and crises that consumed its western associates. Indeed, the once influential Communist Party of Great Britain faced its own trauma exactly a year before the attempted coup against Mikhail Gorbachev. Geof
As right wing commentators channel Enoch Powell, Steven Hirschler counts the human cost of misdiagnosing civil unrest
Notting Hill Carnival - despite predictions of disorder after London's riots - was hailed as 'peaceful' and a 'success'. The price was basic civil liberties, as the normal rule of law was suspended across the capital, and stop-and-search powers abused
Libyan rebel forces encircle Sirte, as Saif al-Islam Gaddafi presses for resistance. South Korea appoints Yu Woo lk as its new unification minister. The Sri Lankan government introduces new anti-terrorism rules after emergency laws expire. And Iran plans to continue enriching 20 percent uranium. A
The Cabinet Manual - as close as the UK has ever come to a written constitution - is near completion. But the British people are largely unaware of this guide to the operation of their government, despite its many flaws that urgently need addressing
Europe’s crisis is a crisis of democracy. The ‘democracy of the experts’ cannot deliver: representative democracy is incapable of channelling demands in the political system. More participatory and deliberative democracy is needed, as argued in Europe’s public spaces by the movements of ‘ indignad
OurKingdom is taking a week-long break from publishing, from today to the end of the month. We will be back with renewed vigour from 1 September.
What might we hope for from life? Watching the London riots from afar John Berger finds a small passport that lets him visualise what is missing from a looter's expectations
Corporate and financial power has always influenced governments. But in Britain, reflecting a global trend, the balance is now grossly in favour of big business. A new Democratic Audit paper analyses the contemporary reality of UK governance
The riots and their aftermath invoked both shame and pride in England. Many members of the Islamic and other minority faith communities were praised for their bravery and dignity. But will this change the English public's attitude towards Muslims?
