Decolonising democracy – part one
In the first of an eight-part series, political theorist John Keane examines the effect of disruptions to the world order on democracy and its future.Recent articles in History
Judge blocks Trump’s attempt to rename the Kennedy Center after himself
A US federal judge has ruled that Donald Trump’s attempt to rename the John F Kennedy Center after himself violated federal law, reaffirming that only Congress can alter the institution’s name.
The destruction of cultural heritage breaches human rights
Destroying places of worship and culture is not just a heritage matter. It interrupts ways of mourning, worshipping and sustaining traditions, especially for women.
The unpromised land down under
A little-known proposal to settle Jewish refugees in Western Australia highlights how different history might have been – and the role of racism in shaping Australia’s decisions.
Wran showed how Labor can win and govern
Fifty years after Neville Wran’s rise to power, his leadership offers enduring lessons in political strategy, discipline and understanding the electorate.
ANZAC Day: remembering the past, facing the present
ANZAC Day honours service and sacrifice, but its deeper meaning lies in recognising the human cost of war and the responsibility to learn from it.
The Trump–pope clash echoes a centuries-old struggle
Conflicts between political leaders and religious authority have shaped Western history for centuries – and continue to define debates over power and legitimacy today.
The Anzac story is bigger than we remember
The Anzac tradition honours sacrifice, but the broader, global contribution to the war effort remains under-recognised in Australia’s national memory.
Bill the Bastard – An ANZAC legend
A personal Anzac Day reflection on service, sacrifice and the enduring lesson that war should be remembered, not glorified.
Anzac Day: remembering the perils of imperial subservience
As Anzac Day approaches, the history of Gallipoli offers a warning about the risks of uncritical loyalty to powerful allies and the consequences of decisions made elsewhere.
On immigration, we’ve heard this before – and we were wrong then too
Warnings about immigration echo almost word for word the fears once directed at post-war arrivals – fears history has already discredited.
From feminism to the manosphere – where to now?
Patricia Edgar reflects on a lifetime shaped by feminism – and asks why, despite its gains, relationships between men and women now feel more fractured than ever.
History shows Iran is not easily defeated
Iran’s long history shows a pattern of resistance and resilience against external powers.
