First Poland, now Ireland: the strikes for abortion rights
Something special is happening in the fight for abortion rights, for a woman’s right to choose – it is a sort-of international strike wave. A sort-of strike wave that is so far made up of just two strikes. But the first – in Poland – has already won a victory.
Folk music and the politics of resistance
The folk music scene has always had a political, radical edge. This is a short, personal survey by Russ Chandler of the level of political engagement in the scene today.
Trump, brass bands, migration and a hijacking: January’s tracks of the month
I was sitting in the library reading Donald Trump’s biography, Trump: The Art of the Deal, the other day. A woman sat down next to me and, out of nowhere, said: “The devil came to earth when Donald Trump won the election.”
As Trump takes office: what is far right populism?
No other president in US history has come to power facing the scale of opposition seen on Saturday’s huge protests against Donald Trump. But what is the nature of Trump’s populism?
Your favourite tracks/albums of 2016
Every year we invite musicians, DJs and readers to send us their five favourite albums or tracks of 2016. In a year that saw so many great musicians pass away, there were a number of brilliant musical recordings. Our readers’ selections are eclectic and cross many genres. I hope you find some new music to explore.
Bulgaria: fascist candidate takes third place in presidential election
Fascists taken 15% of the vote – especially worrying as the parliamentary fascist groups are closely linked to the armed paramilitaries who are “hunting” refugees at the borders.