'A nation stays alive when its culture stays alive'
Paul Smith, the British Council’s Country Director in Afghanistan when its offices were attacked by the Taliban, gives a personal view of why cultural protection is so vital for humanity.
Insight articles
Guernica: plus ça change
As the UK ratifies the Hague Convention, the importance of cultural protection is perhaps greater than it has been for decades.
Engendering soft power: Women and representation
With women's rights back at the top of the global agenda, we examine the benefits enjoyed by states which enhance gender equality.
Diploma-cities
A new British Council report focuses on the role of cities in shaping international relations in the 21st Century, and looks at the implications for the UK.
The art of Brexit
Brexit is viewed as a challenge by the British arts sector. But it also heralds important opportunities. Graham Sheffield and Kate Arthurs examine the implications.
Fear and loathing in the west?
Martin Rose examines the causes of the angst accompanying the West’s current political climate and makes a personal case for an urgent increase in empathy and civility in public discourse.
Human identity in an age of uncertainty
This year’s Reith lecturer, Kwame Antony Appiah, reflected on shared identity and the common issues that distort our understanding of one another.
Interview with Tom Fletcher
Tom Fletcher, better known as the ‘Naked Diplomat’, talks to Insight about ‘Citizen Diplomacy’, Soft Power, and how digital technology can help to improve the world.
Tanzania’s next generation
New British Council research reveals how Tanzania’s huge demographic shifts are creating great challenges, but also opportunities. We look at what young Tanzanians think.
Reflections on the evolution of Britain
Reflections on the evolution of Britain: Brexit, Identity, & the United Kingdom’s Place in the World. A short summary of the 2016 Edmund Burke Lecture given by Ciarán Devane.