‘North Korea is a vital buffer for the Chinese to counter the heavy US presence in Japan and South Korea…The idea that Beijing might rein in Pyongyang is a Western illusion’

‘Historical analogies provide us with a route through a chaotically frightening present’

‘The last utopia of human rights is becoming as politicised as its predecessors and this may be its undoing’

How does one fight a "just" war when warfare deranges human morals? And how does this square with one's faith?

‘People who excuse Mao’s regime should remember that at least 45 million people died in the Great Leap Forward’

‘Recalling the events that led up to the Korean War can give us greater understanding of today’s conflicts’

'Many modern historians are reluctant even to deploy terms like "good" and "evil"

'We can cope with nuclear terrorism. But the government must level with people about how it can be treated'

'The Chechen Islamists who struck Russia in March have discovered the benefits of going viral on the internet'

‘It is fascinating to see the outlines of an emerging world order for the 21st century’