Pavel Kudyukin — For scientists and teachers in Russia, the demands for political freedoms, intellectual freedom and freedom of scientific research are not only political but professional demands.

Natascha Strobl — Moving away from its historic role, conservatism is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from the far right.

Steve Ellner — Trump’s threats against Panama, Canada and Greenland, albeit unachievable, lay the groundwork for a more “rational” strategy of targeting China and singling out real adversaries such as Cuba and Venezuela.

Cemil Bayik discusses the current process regarding the solution of the Kurdish question and its connection to the ‘Third World War’ raging in the Middle East region.

Asef Bayat — The recent developments in Syria represent a new form of political change, the characteristics of which we will better understand in the future. But there is no doubt that these events are part of the Arab Spring.

Gilbert Achcar — There are two conspicuous myths about the Gaza ceasefire.

James Doughney — Lenin’s definition of imperialism offers a comprehensive, interlocking theory, which is why it is not so easy to excise bits and for it to remain Lenin’s theory.

Shi Yongqin and Paul Le Blanc engage in a US-Sino dialogue on how the complex historic contexts of the United States, Soviet Union and China shaped developments in the 20th century and beyond.

Two articles by members of the National Independent Autonomous Workers’ Coordinating Committee discuss the implications of Maduro’s inauguration after the disputed July 28 presidential elections and the dangers of his proposed constitutional reforms.

Why has the Budapest Memorandum become synonymous with betrayal for Ukrainians? How close is the world to a nuclear disaster, and what steps can be taken to prevent it? Denys Bondar shares his insights.

Tariq Hemo — Turkey is seeking to assert its influence in Syria while sidelining other powers and ignoring the people’s aspirations for a more inclusive and democratic state.

René Wildangel takes a look at who exactly are the Islamists that drove Syrian dictator Assad from the country.