Culture & Politics

War in Syria has caused massive home destruction

Books Culture & Politics

Architecture and Domicide in Syria’s War

About Domicide: Architecture, War and the Destruction of Home in Syria by Ammar Azzouz, published by Bloomsbury in 2023.

By Ammar Azzouz 11 Min Read

Patria y Vida: Challenging Cuban Dictatorship Through Art

Four men stand together, with one in the center displaying the words "Patria y Vida" written across his bare chest. The image evokes the spirit of the song "Patria y Vida," which has become an anthem of resistance against the Cuban dictatorship. Their serious expressions and dark clothing underline the song's powerful message and the unity of Cubans in their fight for freedom and justice.

Culture & Politics

27 Min Read

Eros and Emperor: Mishima Yukio’s Homoerotic Nationalism

Capture the essence of Yukio Mishima, an emblem of Homoerotic Nationalism, as he intricately weaves together sexuality and patriotism in his literary and political pursuits.

Culture & Politics

16 Min Read

Urban Precarity: Art’s Political Lens

Vibrant street mural depicting a colorful, abstract urban slum, symbolizing the complex layers and hidden narratives of urban precarity.

Culture & Politics

15 Min Read

The New Man: Redefining Humanity in Communist Albania

The New Man statue in Durres, Albania, stands as a silhouette against the sky, symbolizing strength and forward-looking determination, while a group of lively people mirror its stance, celebrating the spirit of unity and progress.

Culture & Politics

12 Min Read

Political songs: An Unsung Hero in Political Struggle

American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist Ani DiFranco performing at the Etown Concert, where she focused on a selection of political songs, demonstrating her unique blend of musical artistry and social commentary.

Culture & Politics

15 Min Read

Politically Speaking Art in Albania: Echoes of Dissent and Duality

Politically Speaking Art: A horizontal illustration showcasing the evolution of political art in Albania. At the center, an Albanian artist holds a brush. The left half of his face is in shadows and grayscale, symbolizing communism. The right half is bright and vibrant, representing democracy. On both sides, snippets of his paintings depict scenes of resistance and hope. In the background, silhouettes of historic Albanian buildings and contemporary graffiti symbolize freedom of expression.

Culture & Politics

13 Min Read

Manga Politics: Gender Norms in Japanese Artistry

A manga-styled woman, drawn with Renaissance artistic techniques, set against a backdrop that shows two contrasting worlds. On one side, there's a modern office setting with elements of corporate Japan, and on the other side, a traditional Japanese home. The woman is caught in the middle, torn between these two worlds. Her attire blends traditional kimono elements with a modern business suit. The color palette is inspired by Renaissance art, but the imagery and tension in the scene speak to the gender norms discussed in the article, creating a visually striking contrast.

Culture & Politics

14 Min Read

From Dylan to Beyoncé: Pop Music’s Role in Social Change

Pop music: A woman in the center holds an electric guitar and wears modern headphones. The other figures, dressed in 19th-century attire, hold musical instruments instead of weapons.

Culture & Politics

10 Min Read

Human Rights in ‘Money Heist’: A Reality Check

Horizontal illustration that combines Renaissance style with modernity. Human figures wear red masks, evoking the 'Money Heist' series. Employing Renaissance painting techniques: soft colors, earth tones, and pastels. Detailed shading, accurate perspective and proportions. Includes contemporary elements in the composition while maintaining the Renaissance aesthetic.

Culture & Politics

12 Min Read

From Play to Politics: Gaming’s Uncharted Social Realms

Renaissance-style illustration evoking gaming, depicting a 16th-century knight wearing virtual reality glasses.

Culture & Politics

8 Min Read

K-Pop: A Symphony of Global Power, Politics, and Heart

Horizontal illustration that fuses the Renaissance with K-Pop. A group of idols, dressed in Renaissance attire, poses for a group portrait. However, instead of a classical setting, they are in a modern recording studio with contemporary instruments and equipment

Culture & Politics

10 Min Read

Politics & Pop Culture: The Revolutionary Dance of Influence

Lavish Renaissance hall, filled with gentlemen and ladies donned in exquisite garments. The walls are adorned with large paintings, drawing inspiration from Pop culture characteristics. While one painting might use the repetition of an object, another showcases the serialized representation of a popular figure of the era. Bright and contrasting colors from the Pop Art world are blended seamlessly with the deep and rich colors of the Renaissance.

Culture & Politics

9 Min Read

From Vandalism to Voice: The Revolutionary Power of Urban Murals

Horizontal illustration that presents a scene where a Renaissance artist, clad in period attire and holding a feathered quill, is sketching a design commonly found in contemporary street murals. In the background, a bustling Renaissance market unfolds, albeit with modern touches like people wearing headphones or using smartphones.

Culture & Politics

10 Min Read

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Militant Democracy: Legal Safeguards Against Internal Threats

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Mount Rushmore in America features sculptures of four iconic presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Greeks (and Romans) Bearing Gifts to America

October 16, 2024

A monochrome view from the deck of an Arctic exploration ship. The photograph captures the ship's side and its extended walkway, leading the eye towards the icy, turbulent Arctic seascape visible in the distance. The image, under a cloudy sky, emphasizes the cold and remote environment of the Arctic region.

Arctic Alliances Tested: Cooperation in an Era of Rivalry

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Former President Donald Trump speaking at a rally, with conservative professors among the audience, supporting his agenda and policies.

American Conservative Professors: Divided Over Trump

October 10, 2024

Mural depicting a female figure wearing sunglasses with the text 'POUR QUE LA HONTE CHANGE DE CAMP'. The artwork references Gisèle Pélicot and is connected to the theme of 'chemical submissions', emphasizing the shift of shame from victims to perpetrators in cases of drug-facilitated abuse.

Legal Gaps: How Chemical Submission Enables Sexual Assault

October 9, 2024

Albanian women: A young girl wearing a white shirt and a red scarf in the style of an Albanian communist pioneer raises her fist in a revolutionary salute. The image, taken from Ylli Magazine, reflects the official ideology of the Albanian communist regime of the time, promoting socialist values and contributing to state propaganda.

Albanian Women Under Communism: The Illusion of Liberation

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A marble statue depicting a pensive Blaise Pascal, the famous French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, holding a book. The sculpture captures his thoughtful expression, reflecting his contributions to mathematics, particularly in probability theory and the foundations of modern science.

How Mathematics Affects Political Decisions (and Vice Versa)

October 2, 2024

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Recent Analysis

The image depicts a populist movement, with Le Pen often associated with right-wing populism in France.

The Populism Trap: Discontents and Challenges to Democracy

By Armin Schäfer Michael Zürn 16 Min Read

This image captures the striking contrast between the simple, traditional life of an Amish girl and the broader ideals of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual freedom and modernity. Explore how these two worlds coexist and the values they represent.

Liberal Democracy and Illiberal Minorities

By Karel J. Leyva 32 Min Read

The image displays several oil rigs positioned in a body of water under a cloudy sky that casts a somber, gloomy atmosphere. These massive structures, aligned across the horizon, emphasize the dominant presence of the oil industry amid political instability.

Political Instability and the Oil Economy in MENA

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