Review: A prophet for the age of endarkenment 18 Nov 2016 John Gray foresaw the Trump era. "Enlightenment's Wake", published in 1995, predicted that grand ideas would be replaced by ethnic and religious conflict, authoritarian regimes and great power rivalries. Still, the newly-relevant book offers some hope for despairing liberals.
Five Star scandal could boost Italian assets 7 Sep 2016 The radical political movement’s Rome mayor is on the ropes. That could reduce the risk of a 5-Star win at a national level, and encourage Prime Minster Matteo Renzi to consolidate power by calling elections. It could also reduce Italian debt’s penalty compared to Spain.
Local vote is wildcard in Italy’s reform gamble 6 Jun 2016 The radical 5-Star Movement looks set to win Rome in mayoral elections, with second round votes still to come. That plus other local election results could stir up opposition to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's constitutional reforms, and make it harder for him to call elections.