Good point.

More cause for concern.

How Merkel did it.

Er, yes.

Experts think not.

Because it increases the power of those who *do* vote.

Unpicking the definition of a state.

@gerrylynch: "if elections didn’t change anything, people wouldn’t be shot for demanding them."

No surprise, surely?

Better than they used to, apparently.

Florian Bieber channels Machiavelli.

Don't let women vote! It will only encourage them!

Modelling diversity.

One of the best articles I have ever read on this subject.

Nailing the "intolerant liberals" lie.

@jasonomahony consults his crystal ball.

Ivan Krastev on the global question.

Asimov saw it coming.

Though I think it was ever thus.

A sane take on the Iran talks.

@JonWorth explains.

Lessons from Canada - for Australia, but could be anywhere.

Prices for illegal drugs falling despite increased seizures.

Some details dodgy but interesting read.

The political views of Iain M Banks, by Ken MacLeod (@amendlocke)

World leaders on Twitter

The Rolling Stone article about the Boston bomber.

Not quite, apparently.

"No one, it turns out, can ever really be the smartest guy in the room. For two reasons. First, to make sure that everyone keeps fighting to get in, and stay in. Second, to make sure that everyone who doesn’t get in is kept out."

On choosing rulers. (Also, must see that film - loved the book.)