The former Director of BBC News and Editor of The Times asserts in this lecture that technology is damaging democracy. The piece is elevated from the multitude of others with a similar theme by its superior writing, wry humour, and effective deployment of numerous case studies from this time of “democratic recession”.
British tabloid newspapers were thought by many to be in irreversible decline due to falling print circulation and repeated scandals, yet they have had their enduring influence dramatically underlined by events in 2016.
A piece looking at the influx of Russian money into the UK.
As the prices commanded by landmark works and artists rise ever higher, so too does the sophistication of forgeries being produced to dupe collectors and institutions. A tip: it’s apparently far easier to copy a Modigliani than a Leonardo – at a recent exhibition of his work, 20 out of the 21 works on display were found to be counterfeits. This piece profiles the man said to be the very best in the field of science-led authentication.
An interview with a former police officer involved in undercover drugs operations, whose views have radically changed since he left the force.
A detailed look at the rise of Italy’s Interior Minister (and some say de facto leader) Matteo Salvini.
A study of the history of the dictionary and the evolving work of lexicographers in the internet age.
The rebranding of far right parties across Europe is proving alarmingly successful.