Politics & Society

Politics, sociology, current affairs

Ebola outbreak in the DRC: four reasons it will be hard to contain

The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has the potential to become huge and of long duration.

Jia B. Kangbai, Senior lecturer, Njala University·May 23, 2026

Is the US preparing for military action against Cuba? Expert Q&A

The US is pursuing a strategy of straining the Cuban regime internally, while constructing legal and political justifications for escalation.

Anna Grimaldi, Lecturer in Global Development and Latin American Studies, University of Leeds·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Tuna has overtaken cod as the UK’s top-selling seafood – here’s why

The southwest peninsula of the UK has a burgeoning network of marine observers.

Simon Thomas, Visiting Fellow, Marine Ecology, University of Plymouth·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Matt Brittin takes over as BBC director general – will the former Google exec’s tech world experience be right for the job?

The BBC’s impartiality and editorial fairness is under scrutiny following several deeply embarrassing incidents.

Rupert Younger, Director, Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation, University of Oxford·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Net migration and asylum claims have fallen – here’s what the latest figures tell us

While net migration is on a downward trajectory, it is still positive, meaning that the foreign-born population continues to grow.

Ben Brindle, Researcher, Migration Observatory, University of Oxford·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

How ‘zebra striping’ on a night out can help you drink less – and potentially avoid a hangover

This new drinking trend may help you to drink more mindfully and pace yourself better.

Abi Rose, Reader, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

How London, Paris and New York coped in the heatwaves of the past

Across the 19th and 20th centuries, urban residents developed a range of strategies to manage extreme heat in densely built environments.

Jon Winder, Postdoctoral Research Associate, History, University of Liverpool·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Ageing with purpose: the surprising science of frailty reversal

Two people of the same age can age very differently. Frailty helps explain why, and what can be done to reduce risk.

Katie Robinson, Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of Limerick·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Could sodium replace lithium as the dominant ingredient in batteries?

Sodium-ion batteries use more abundant raw materials but don’t currently perform as well as those made with lithium.

Syed Abdul Ahad, Research Ireland Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, University of Limerick·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

John of John: weaving an island tale of secrets that lie beneath repression and shame

The high drama of Douglas Stuart’s new novel sometimes feels like a soap opera – but his lyrical prose and atmospheric narrative elevate the genre.

Stevie Marsden, Lecturer in Publishing, Edinburgh Napier University·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

The Enhanced Games: ‘dangerous clown show’ or a wake-up call for traditional sport?

These games should compel traditional sport to solve its fundamental problems and reflect upon the true value of sport and athletes.

Jinsu Byun, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Yonsei University·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

The network watching the world’s oceans is under pressure – just when it’s needed most

The Global Ocean Observing System informs weather forecasts and climate projections. But funding pressures could create data gaps leaving the world blind.

Kevin Trenberth, Distinguished Scholar, NCAR; Affiliate Faculty, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Is public opinion in favour of granting Europe’s undocumented migrants legal status?

A new study by the University of Liège that takes a closer look at the situation in Belgium shows that there is public support for granting undocumented migrants who work legal status.

Abdeslam Marfouk, Expert en migrations internationales, Université de Liège·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Why warmer UK summers could make staycations the money-smart choice

Heatwaves, wildfires, floods and airport disruption can quickly turn a holiday into a financial loss.

Narmin Nahidi, Assistant Professor in Finance, University of Exeter·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Rice feeds billions of people – but its role in fueling climate change is growing

There are ways to reduce emissions without sacrificing yield. A new study shows how, and looks at a technique billed as ‘climate-friendly’ that makes emissions worse.

Shufen (Susan) Pan, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Boston College·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Cooling poverty is making extreme heat more dangerous for millions

Some parts of the world are warming far faster than other, but even within the same city some neighbourhoods are exposed and suffer more than others.

Giacomo Falchetta, Scientist in Energy, Climate and the Environment, Ca' Foscari University of Venice·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Cuba needs a long-term solution to its energy crisis

Short-term humanitarian aid won’t go far in alleviating Cuba’s long-term energy crisis.

Isabella Elias, Master of Public Policy Candidate, Pepperdine University·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Wildfire risk is now spreading to cool climates like the Scottish Highlands and Irish uplands

Changes in ways of farming are part of the reason why wildfires are more likely this summer, even in traditionally colder climates.

Will Hayes, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fire Governance, Royal Holloway, University of London·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

A single dose of psilocybin eased depression symptoms for months, our study found

Our trial found psilocybin worked fast and lasted months, but unpicking the drug’s true effect from patients’ expectations remains a challenge.

Johan Lundberg, Adjunct Professor, Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Married at First Sight: does reality TV’s duty of care support participants – or the industry?

Offering an intensive programme of duty of care creates an impression of safety and control.

Emily Coleman, Lecturer in Creative Industries, The Open University·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

NHS shakeup: if it sounds like we’ve been here before, it’s because we have

The NHS modernisation bill promises reform, but past reorganisations suggest costly upheaval may distract from fixing care where it matters most.

Philip Broadbent, Wellcome Multimorbidity PhD Fellow & Public Health Registrar, University of Glasgow·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Spying, Southampton and economic pressure cooker of the ‘richest match in football’

The financial cost of losing a football match can be huge.

Rob Wilson, Dean Education, Faculty and Resources, University Campus of Football Business·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Tony Abbott to be new federal president of the Liberal Party

The former prime minister has been nominated unopposed.

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra·May 22, 2026

The Conversation

Detroit’s high property taxes are driving a housing affordability crisis – how can city leaders bring down costs?

Property tax reform in Detroit could boost homeownership and attract new residents and businesses.

Amanda Nothaft, Director of Data and Analysis, University of Michigan·May 22, 2026