Culture

Chinese Olympic swimmer Pan Zhanle

To protect its economic, military and sporting hegemony, the United States is using the Olympics as part of its multi-layered, cultural cold war against China, writes Coral Wynter.

Protest albums from September 2024

Mat Ward looks back at September's political news and the best new music that related to it.

aerial photo of westerns sydney and book cover

Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens reflects contemporary Australia's migrant experience — the sadness, tragedy, but also solidarity, compassion and humanity, writes Coral Wynter.

man speaking to camera

In War Game, a bipartisan group of real-life defense, intelligence and elected policymakers in the United States confront a political coup scenario in the wake of a contested presidential election. Bill Nevins reviews.

books on a shelf

Climate and Capitalism editor Ian Angus presents six new books for ecosocialists, including a new translation of Marx’s Capital, the role of animal poo in Earth’s life support systems, and more.

book cover against a background of suburban sprawl

It's often said that housing is a human right. Kevin Bell's new book takes some first steps towards making it a reality in the Australian context, writes Andrew Chuter.

book cover and pic of tree canopy

The myth that native forest timber harvesting does not increase the risk of devastating wildfires is blown apart in The Forest Wars, writes Philippa Skinner.

still shot from movie

Bill Nevins reviews Kneecap, a semi-autobiographical film about the West Belfast rap/hip-hop trio of the same name.

Protest albums from August 2024

Mat Ward looks back at August's political news and the best new music that related to it.

Paste up drawing by Guy Denning in the streets of Liverpool circa 2013

Described as using a “blend of street art and brutal political commentary", Guy Denning’s work is “a powerful protest, visually demanding attention to the injustices and inhumanities of our world”, reports Susan Price.

woman not really happy

Be happy. Think of your wellness. Across organisations, private and public entities, government bodies and social clubs, the cult of contrived happiness abounds with ritualistic, clotting repetition, writes Binoy Kampmark.

Two women boxing in an Olympic bout

Olympic gold medal boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting faced attacks from far-right politicians and anti-trans activists while competing in the Paris Olympics, illustrating how transphobia, racism and misogyny intersect, argues Alex Salmon.