The Platinum Jubilee serves as an opportunity to reflect on the complex interactions and historical evolution of the British monarchy and the transformations in sport, politics and society.
This year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations will draw on traditions that have bolstered support for monarchs since the early 1800s — it could help this year’s celebrations succeed again.
The former secretary-general of the Commonwealth represents the true essence of a public intellectual and leader; his sense of duty defines his legacy.
Philip Murphy, School of Advanced Study, University of London
Despite its Imperial origins, the Commonwealth has a strong radical tradition. If it wants to remain relevant to Africa in the 21st Century, that radicalism needs to be rediscovered.
Former presidents Obasanjo and Mbeki have arguably made the most important contribution to Africa in the 21st Century by promoting peace, democracy, regional integration and pan-Africanism.
The interim report of Victoria’s mental health royal commission makes some worthwhile recommendations. But if we want to see broad-reaching system change, the state can’t do it alone.
When considering this question, we need to distinguish between the pomposities of monarchies and the purpose they serve as checks on untrammelled authoritarianism.
People from the Windrush generation have been told recently that they do not belong in Britain, but they are no strangers to feelings of unbelonging, which feature strongly in their stories of early life in Britain.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne