Saturday 23rd August 2025

Opinion

The Encaenia is PR without the public (or anyone else)

Wholesale reform is the last thing Encaenia needs. If only people knew what it is, it would be a well-suited PR exercise for a modern Oxford.

This is how we combat the crusade against universities

It’s easy to think of an arts degree as a fruitless pleasure. But education and academic study are intrinsically valuable.

From pensioners to students, all should fear the Palestine Action ban

If you think this is a win for one side over the other in relation to Israel’s war on Gaza, be careful what you wish for.

Trashing rules save face, not students

Trashing is banned. But what does the banning achieve except pushing students further from...

Don’t dread the dread: art and imitation

Colin Donnelly explores cultural appropriation in history and fashion after Marc Jacob’s reinterpretation of dreadlocks

Are corsets really sexist?

Kate Asquith and Catrin Haberfield measure the pros and cons of the corset

Mandatory workshops must stay

Mandatory consent workshops serve a vital and improving purpose

Trump: better out than in

Politics is an unseemly business and is best confined to bumper stickers and articles by Owen Jones, where it can go safely unnoticed. Every...

Interview: Timothy Garton Ash

John Maier talks to Professor Timothy Garton Ash about Free Speech at Universities, No-platforming, and the threat to liberal values today

One thing I’d change about Oxford… Educating people

Daniel Villar calls for more versatile education in Oxford

The media must approach discussions about Haiti with more nuance

Tobi Thomas discusses how Haiti’s negative portrayal in news media ignores its historical legacy

Brexit: Saviour of European federalism?

Brexit could reboot the abandoned project of European federalism

One thing I’d change about Oxford… Homeless people

This week Will Dry observes the problem of homeless people in Oxford

Alternative, but not Right

James Lamming reflects on the alt-right movement and symbols of hate

Peace in Colombia not a one-man show

Daniel Villar argues that the Nobel Peace Prize should not have been given to Santos alone

Profile: Richard Dawkins

Clayton Stone meets Richard Dawkins at his home and talks God, Oxford and family in the modern world

The Myth of Momentum

In the modern age of radio talk shows, huge TV rights deals and more Sky Sports channels than one could ever dream of, pundits...

Interview: Jim Al-Khalili

Professor Al-Khalili on the enigmas of quantum biology, and why we should care

Fact or Fad?

The truth may be hard to swallow, but there's still no cheat method for a healthy lifestyle

Why does sport matter?

The world is a largely depressing place. With humans plagued by a chronic awareness of the futility of their own existence, it is a...

College rivalries: good for life at university?

Colin Donnelly argues that college rivalries are an important building block of the culture in Oxford, whereas Antonio Gottardello claims they are a relic from the past

Interview: Pamela Matson

Stanford's Dean of the School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences explains her visions for sustainable agriculture

An academic education isn’t everything

Academic and vocational qualifications should be treated as equals

Profile: Amara Konneh

Fortune has not always worked in Mr Konneh’s favour. Born on a mud floor in the twilight years of a peaceful Liberia, his family...

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