Archive of entries posted by Owen Bell

Israel, Europe, and the corrosive effects of nationalism.

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This week’s post is a response to an article in The Spectator published just a few days ago, in which Seth Frantzman argues that the European right increasingly resembles its Israeli counterparts. He writes, “For Israelis, Europe’s political landscape is looking increasingly familiar. Whereas Israel was once seen as something of a political backwater, nowadays it’s European …

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Has the socialist left come to accept liberal globalisation?

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I wouldn’t normally post more than once a week. But a friend of mine has shared an article I think couldn’t be more relevant. The Financial Times’ Janan Ganesh argues that the rise of anti-globalisation right wing populists like Trump and the pro-Brexit campaigners, have inadvertently made social democrats defend the neoliberal global order they …

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Northern Ireland: where moderation is a rarity.

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It’s often said that American politics is increasingly polarised. Republicans and Democrats vote on party lines more frequently, with dissenters being scorned as ideologically impure. Many academics believe this polarisation has been an elite phenomenon, with most ordinary Americans maintaining relatively centrist views. But even if America’s stark political divisions are purely the failure’s of …

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Musings on the Netherlands and Turkey

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On Wednesday 15th March, the Netherlands will hold a general election. In the American and British popular imaginations, the Netherlands is a socially progressive nation with a well-functioning democracy, and a high trust in its institutions. Relatively speaking, that perception is largely correct. But the Dutch increasingly believe their values are under threat, not from …

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An introduction via quotation.

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As a new contributor to this blog, I’ve yet to introduce myself properly. But instead of writing about my life story in a rambling sort of way, I thought I’d instead present to you my favourite quotes. They cover a range of topics, from religion, to philosophy, to poverty and even love. I hope they …

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A house divided against itself cannot stand: Why America is exceptionally uncivil.

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When Abraham Lincoln famously said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he was of course referring to the issue of slavery. Whether a human being could be considered property of another, was an issue so contentious, Lincoln believed the federal government ought to uphold the dignity of every person, even if it meant going …

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The plight of British civility.

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In the American imagination, Britain is an old-fashioned country, where the rules of chivalry, courtesy, civility and general politeness are rigorously enforced. The myth of a kind Britain is sometimes believed by the British, who contrast our manners with the boisterous, rude and unnecessarily outspoken personalities of our American cousins. This is certainly the myth …

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British politics is in a post-liberal era.

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For those of us who value freedom, the last few years have been a terrible time. Nationalism and authoritarianism are ascendant, and liberalism is in retreat. The latter used to be seen as the philosophy of the future in the post-Soviet era, but is now increasingly viewed as the preserve of wealthy multinational elites, who …

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Why Epicurean Frenchmen should vote for Macron.

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In my humble opinion, France is one of the world’s greatest countries. It is a beautiful country with elegant cities, magnificent countries, lofty mountains and (albeit decreasingly), unspoilt beaches. It has punched well above its weight in its contributions to philosophy, economics, art, music, science and literature. Having been devastated by World War 2, it successfully …

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