Our pattern-seeking brains and desire to be special help explain our fears of the apocalypse. Once again, the world is about to end. The latest source of doomsday dread comes courtesy of the ancient Mayans, whose calendar runs out in 2012, as interpreted by a cadre of opportunistic authors and blockbuster movie directors. Not long … Read more

As China and India rise in tandem, their relationship will shape world politics. Shame they do not get on better. A hundred years ago it was perhaps already possible to discern the rising powers whose interaction and competition would shape the 20th century. The sun that shone on the British empire had passed midday. Vigorous … Read more