Family-Centric Thinking Against Global Population Decline
‘In the East, the communist worldview largely rejected the nuclear family unit, seeing it rather as an economic unit that ideologically furthered capitalist interests. In the West, a notion emerged in the latter twentieth century that largely views prioritizing family as limiting individual autonomy and self-fulfillment. We are the inheritors of societies that have been profoundly shaped by one or both worldviews.’
Advent in Peace and War
In whichever way we observe Advent, and whatever the colours of our candles are, now that the merry days of Christmas are near, let us stop for a moment and think of those who cannot celebrate in peace this holiday season. Let’s not forget about those who live in countries and regions torn by war, violence and persecution: let’s all try to find ways to contribute, even in the smallest ways, to helping them, and let’s pray that there be peace.
Elites and How They Should Be Educated
‘Ortega’s image of what members of his ideal elite should be like derives from his wider philosophy. His spells at German universities made him initially a fervent neo-Kantian who, seeing the world through the lens of transcendental idealism, believed in the objective reality of the Platonic triad of truth, goodness, and beauty, and that this should form the basis of one’s life and education…’
Termez Dialogue: A New Era of Central–South Asian Connectivity
The first Termez Dialogue brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from Central and South Asia to discuss regional connectivity, peace, and development. Held in the historic city of Termez, the forum emphasized shared heritage and the urgent need for cooperation on trade, infrastructure, and stability across the region.
Karol Nawrocki Wins Polish Presidential Election in Razor-Thin Victory
Karol Nawrocki has narrowly won Poland’s presidential election with 50.89 per cent of the vote, backed by the opposition PiS party. His victory may reshape Polish domestic politics and reinvigorate regional alliances like the Visegrád Group.
A Perspective on the Sovereignty of EU Member States
‘When countries collectively decide to form a permanent institutional body where divisible sovereignty is the norm, like the EU, it attenuates the ability of those states to make decisions regarding the governance of their own economies and other associated policies. In essence, Hungary must realize that so long as it is a member state of the EU, it delegates certain decision-making to it.’
The Age of Patriots — A Speech by Tony Abbott
‘Conservatives don’t believe that we’re morally superior to our grandparents. Conservatives cherish all that’s made us: our families, our faith, our nations and the best that’s been thought and said. Conservatives count the cost of change, as well as its benefits, and want change to reflect what’s best in us, so we can come closer to being our best selves as individuals and as peoples.’
Letter from Jerusalem — Part III
‘It is important to understand the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’s place in the intricate interplay of local and international as well as sacred and profane interests that often seems to govern every important decision in the Holy Land. Pious pronouncements…from Europe and elsewhere abroad almost invariably collapse under the weight of the sheer complexity of local realities…’
A Teacher from Kolozsvár, One of Our First Female Scientists — The Story of Elvira Valentini
‘[Elvira Valentini] had always been interested in the flora of the Balkans…She thought that in Fiume, after teaching, she would explore the countryside and continue her scientific work. But that was not to be. A few months later, war broke out, and her family called Elvira home, asking her to stay there. The shot fired in Sarajevo thus marked not only the beginning of the First World War, but also the end of an ambitious Hungarian woman’s scientific career.’
A Book That Should Be a Medical Prescription against Climate Anxiety
‘The Beginning of the World also responds to our emotional needs. It skillfully brings together personal experience, scientific arguments, and the fears and doubts we all have. It gives space to the human aspect. But it also offers us the chance to transcend, at the level of action, our everyday weaknesses, both individual and human.’
