Why Romania is clashing with Brussels at the worst possible time
Jan 04, 2019 16:02 pm UTC| Insights & Views
For the first time since its accession in 2007, Romania is holding the rotating presidency of the European Union for the first half of 2019. It will set the agenda of the European Council and has the chance to exercise...
How to negotiate infrastructure deals with China: four things African governments need to put right
Jan 04, 2019 16:02 pm UTC| Insights & Views
You dont negotiate with China ! I was quickly told when I started interviewing African public servants about their infrastructure deals with Beijing. There is a widespread view in Africa that you accept whatever terms are...

Nancy Pelosi victorious – why the California Democrat was reelected speaker of the House
Jan 04, 2019 16:01 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Despite some brash and not insignificant opposition, Californias Nancy Pelosi is returning to her previous role as speaker of the House. She will preside over a chamber that is 77 percent male and a Democratic Caucus...
Message sent, received but no instant reply: how does that make you feel?
Jan 04, 2019 16:01 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life
Your phone chimes, its a message from your partner. You reply instantly because thats what you always do. Then you decide to add another message: By the way, I love you ☺ You see the read status appear under the...
Microbial aromas might save crops from drought
Jan 04, 2019 16:01 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science
In her book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson writes: The sense of smell, almost more than any other, has the power to recall memories…. You might wonder how this relates to microorganisms. In fact, they produce most...

In the post-truth era, documentary theatre searches for common ground
Jan 04, 2019 16:01 pm UTC| Insights & Views Entertainment
With the onslaught of alternative facts or fake news, it can feel as though the ground has become almost liquid. One strategy to confront the ongoing public lies has been to embrace journalistic principles and...
Competitive elections are good for democracy – just not every democracy
Jan 04, 2019 16:00 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
The 2018 U.S. midterm elections were fierce, expensive and full of upsets, with political newcomers ousting long-tenured incumbents and Democrats unseating Republicans to retake the House of Representatives. That makes...