This paper discusses how to build a simple model of the optimal policy responses to a temporary rise in energy prices, a situation like that caused by the war in Ukraine. The objective is to avoid the emergence of a wage price spiral, in the presence of the kind of real-wage resistance which has been shown to be empirically important, and yet also to avoid large increases in interest rates. We believe that this outcome might have been achieved by means of a very large cut in consumption taxes (or a very large subsidy to energy supply).

Revolutionary democratic movements seek to overturn autocratic institutions and transform the underlying distribution of political power. In this paper, we provide evidence on how inclusive revolutionary dynamics reinforce de jure democratic reforms and strengthen state capacity. We study Nepal’s People’s War, which overthrew a 240-year caste-based monarchy and established a federal democracy.

In this talk, we present our interdisciplinary approach to AI regulation by updating purpose limitation for AI. We address a critical blind spot in EU digital legislation: the secondary use of anonymised training data and pre-trained AI models. These forms of reuse–currently outside the scope of regulatory frameworks such as the GDPR and the AI Act–pose significant risks to individuals and society, including discrimination, erosion of public trust and the exacerbation of power asymmetries.

Historian Phil Tinline will be in conversation with the audience, discussing how the United States ended up enmeshed in conspiracy theories, with many believing the country is run by an malignant ‘deep state’? Drawing on his acclaimed new book, Ghosts of Iron Mountain: The Hoax That Duped America and Its Sinister Legacy, this event explores the story of an extraordinary satirical spoof, the light it sheds on Americans’ vexed relationship with truth and power and the lessons for our wider political environment.

The illusions that have long defined Africa-Europe relations are not just outdated—they are, Professor Carlos Lopes argues, actively harmful. As Africa repositions itself within a rapidly changing global order, clinging to legacy narratives only deepens inequality and missed opportunities.

This contribution investigates how ballot complexity shapes vote concentration in preferential list PR systems – a growing electoral system used in over 30 democracies. These systems impose a dual cognitive burden on voters: choosing a party list and then selecting candidates within that list. Drawing on original data covering 158 elections across 28 countries (1994–2024), we test the effects of three electoral parameters: the number of candidates (C), the number of preference votes allowed (PV), and the number of competing parties (N).

Oxford Political Review (OPR) is celebrating the launch of its 16th print issue, under the theme ‘Nothing Is Ever Always’, with a panel discussion on democratic backsliding and resilience, featuring Prof Maya Tudor and Prof Scott Williamson.

Event Overview:
Amid significant global uncertainty—with major economic, social, and environmental challenges—the need for responsible leadership has never been more urgent. At the same time, the opportunities to cultivate good leadership have never been greater. In this special event, students will have the unique opportunity to engage with Yukihisa Fujita—a distinguished statesman, humanitarian, and peacebuilder—who brings decades of experience on the front lines of global leadership, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance.