The recent election in New Zealand, in which the minority Labour Party was able to form government with the assistance of both the left-wing Greens and the patriotic New Zealand First party, is just the latest reflection of a turning of the tide against the narrative that has dominated Western societies since the end of…
The muted commemorations marking the 500th anniversary of the commencement of the Protestant Reformation, officially dated to October 31, provide an occasion to reflect on the role of Christianity today in our society, and more broadly, throughout the world. The Reformation, which divided Europe for hundreds of years, and the echoes of which exist to…
To most people outside Spain, the violent suppression of an independence referendum in the region of Catalonia by the central government seems inexplicable – if not incomprehensible. To understand what is going on, one needs the perspective of history, and an understanding of the power structures in modern Europe. Barcelona, the capital of the region of Catalonia. For centuries, Catalonia, whose capital city is Barcelona, has had a sense of national identity separate from Spain, with a distinct language, history and culture. Periodically, this region has sought independence from Spain. Finally the Spanish Government recognised the strong local feelings of…
The recent elections in New Zealand saw the defeat of the Labour Party led by media darling Jacinda Ardern, and the probable formation of a coalition government between the incumbent Nationals and the New Zealand First Party, led by the outspoken Winston Peters. NZ Labour’s Jacinda Ardern Ardern was appointed leader of the Labour Party just two months before the election, when it became obvious that her predecessor would lead his party to defeat. She stood as the candidate of Labour’s feminist left, having earlier been on the staff of NZ Labour PM Helen Clark, before serving a stint with…
