Iran: Modernisation and nationalism
The Iran that emerged from the chaos of the early 20th century bore little resemblance to the mighty Persian Empire of antiquity. Weakened by foreign interference, territorial losses, and internal …
Phyllis Coard: Architect of women’s liberation in revolutionary Grenada
The pioneering woman who transformed gender equality during the Grenada Revolution and paid the ultimate price
Phyllis Coard was much more than the “only woman among the Grenada 17” – a …
Managing work overload: Why we’re still busier than ever
Imagine working only four hours a day, nine months a year and earning all the money you need to do exactly what you want with all your free time. Does that sound like your life?
That’s the …
The enduring legacy of Zapotec culture in Oaxaca
In the mountainous valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico, one of Mesoamerica’s most ancient civilisations continues to thrive after more than 2,500 years. The Zapotec people, whose name derives from the …
The Banana Wars: America’s forgotten military interventions in Central America
Between 1898 and 1934, the United States engaged in a series of military interventions across Central America and the Caribbean that collectively became known as the “Banana Wars.” This …
The Grenada Revolution: A Caribbean island’s brief socialist experiment
The Spice Island’s political awakening
In the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the small island nation of Grenada—known for its nutmeg and other spices—became the unlikely stage for one of …
The history of Nana Yaa Asantewaa: The lion-hearted queen mother
In the chronicles of African resistance against colonial rule, few figures command as much respect and admiration as Nana Yaa Asantewaa. Born around 1840 in the Ashanti Empire of present-day Ghana, …
The rise and fall of the Persian Empire
Long before oil made Iran a focal point of global politics, this land was home to one of history’s greatest empires. The Persian Empire once stretched from India to Greece, ruling over nearly …
The Pashtun Culture: Ancient traditions in a modern world
The Pashtun people, also known as Pathans, are one of the world’s largest tribal societies, with over 50 million members primarily residing in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their culture, forged …
The Wellness Revolution: How small changes can create big transformations
As World Wellbeing Week arrives, millions worldwide are discovering that true wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
In a bustling café on Regent Street, Sarah Miles takes …
Understanding Sharia Law: Principles, practice, and global context
Sharia law represents one of the world’s most discussed yet often misunderstood legal systems. Derived from Arabic, meaning “the way” or “path to water,” Sharia …
The rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire: Six centuries of imperial power
The Ottoman Empire, a realm of sultans and grand viziers of imposing palaces and sprawling markets, stands as one of the most influential empires in recorded history. Stretching across three …