Is a brave new world possible? With John Kampfner Journalist and author John Kampfner joins the Matts to discuss his stunning new book Braver New World - a global travelogue of bold solutions to some of the world’s thorniest problems

NEW EPISODE 💡 Journalist and author @johnkampfner.bsky.social joins the Matts to discuss his stunning new book Braver New World - a global travelogue of bold solutions to some of the world’s thorniest problems

Listen now 🎧

To shake off our torpor we need courage — it looks like this Liberal democracies have spawned a political class wedded to the short-term and allergic to risk, so we’re in danger of being overwhelmed by this century’s forces. A few nimble states offer us a bluep...

Usually journalists hold their breath when looking at below-the-line comments. I usually do.
Gladdened then to see the responses to my essay in Saturday's Times, setting out the key arguments in 'Braver New World'.
Join the conversation. Lots of events coming up.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...

Just seen Amazon doing cut-price promo for Braver New World of £10. Some people prefer to shop elsewhere, but if you'd like to, link below.

Meantime, there's an exclusive essay in the Times tomorrow, shortly online, with lessons from Hungary and for Keir Starmer

www.amazon.co.uk/Braver-New-W...

Keir Starmer Approaches the Danger Zone The British prime minister had a terrible first year in office, and things haven’t improved much since. A bad result for his Labour Party in regional and local elections on May 7 may well cut his poli...

A good day to read @johnkampfner.bsky.social (from our spring issue)

ip-quarterly.com/en/keir-star...

That's nice of you to remember @expremiers.bsky.social - I had long forgotten!

Our latest issue is now on sale 🗞️ Domino effect

Featuring @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social, @youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com
, @johnkampfner.bsky.social, Phil Tinline, Deborah Nash, and more

Subscribe from £5: buff.ly/PcGAFRE

Today was a memorable day. Two things came together, as if by chance... it started with chairing an event with Yvette Cooper and Johann Wadephul. The foreign ministers talked about, dare I say it, courage and imagination in tackling our problems. Braver New World...
www.amazon.co.uk/Braver-New-W...

Today marks publication date of 'Braver New World'. It's the culmination of a three-year odyssey in search of hope and best practice. I'm grateful to the many people in the 10 countries for giving me their insights.
Please buy the book, engage and spread the word!
www.amazon.co.uk/Braver-New-W...

As Trump flounders in Iran, taking a swipe at the Pope and all who cross him, and as Hungary shows the way, is the time for optimism? Only if liberal democracy finds imagination and courage. That's the message of 'Braver New World', my journey to 10 countries in search of best practice. Out Thursday

It's not so much complacency as an unwillingness among British political elites to be entirely honest with the British public about how the UK's security is now dependent on deepening military integration with European partners

Thanks 💪 @tomheap.bsky.social coming from environmental guru like you that’s a kind compliment

What better day to be (cautiously) hopeful about the state of our politics than after the Hungary result. Was a delight to do Start the Week this morning with Natasha Walter Nick Niarchos and Tom Sutcliffe on Radio 4.

Braver New World is out this Thursday!

The lesson of the result in Hungary is that if you campaign with courage you will earn trust. But that's the (relatively) easy bit. What matters for democratic politicians is what they do once they have power. Caution has been the watchword for too long. I'll be discussing this on BBC Radio 4 at 9

Viktor Orbán, the man who broke Hungary Even if he loses the general election, Orbán will retain his grip on the country’s institutions, which he has stacked with his placemen. That could spell disaster for whoever wins – and for Hungary

As Hungarians decide the fate of the man loved by Trump & Putin, here are two pieces from the campaign trail. As someone who spent years in the GDR & USSR, it was a reminder of how far authoritarians will go to cling to power
www.thenewworld.co.uk/john-kampfne...
foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/05/h...

Viktor Orban Is Going Down Swinging Hungary’s populist prime minister is in a fight for his political life—and acting like it.

On the eve of the pivotal election for Hungary and Europe: Orban's state capture is almost complete. He has changed the rules to try to ensure that its appointees will survive any possible defeat
foreignpolicy.com/2026/03/05/h...

A week to go to publication of 'Braver New World'. With populists causing mayhem everywhere, see it as a survival kit for democratic governments

💡 Braver New World is an urgent, optimistic reminder that real, transferable answers exist if societies have the courage to learn from them.

✏️ Sign up today and we’ll send you a signed copy of @johnkampfner.bsky.social’s Braver New World (worth £22) absolutely free.

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Nine days before the launch of Braver New World - 10 countries showing political courage in dealing with the world's problems. A small dose of optimism for our troubled times.

Braver New World: 'A stunning dose of optimism' Alastair Campbell Buy Braver New World: 'A stunning dose of optimism' Alastair Campbell Main by Kampfner, John (ISBN: 9781805462507) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

Ten days until the launch of 'Braver New World', my journey to 10 countries in search of best practice, to countries that are showing the kind of political courage and resilience that we need in these difficult times.
I hope you enjoy it and that it helps point democracies down a better path

If we learn from others, we succeed With the world in mayhem, it's the worst time to cut back on expertise

Why diplomacy is needed now more than ever

Spring 2026 Issue: A New German Foreign Policy? The 23rd issue of INTERNATIONALE POLITIK QUARTERLY focuses on German foreign policy one year after the Merz government came into office.

Our new issue, A New German Foreign Policy?, features @lucyaash.bsky.social, @andreasrinke.bsky.social, @bressansar.bsky.social, @wolfgangschmidt.bsky.social, @josephdeweck.bsky.social, @rebeccawire.bsky.social, @fraghi.bsky.social, @johnkampfner.bsky.social & more.

ip-quarterly.com/en/spring-20...

The worst war the Soviets ever fought is now haunting Putin Afghanistan was the grave of the Soviet Union – the Ukraine conflict bears striking similarities

My take on 2 wars 4 decades apart. inews.co.uk/opinion/wors...

In a dangerous world, Britain needs its diplomats more than ever – this is no time to axe them | John Kampfner Cut off from Europe by Brexit and cast adrift by Donald Trump, maintaining diplomatic expertise and connections is crucial, says author John Kampfner

"Diplomacy is neither isolated nor elitist; it is integral... there is barely a challenge that isn’t shared and doesn’t require strong collaboration." Late to this excellent piece by @johnkampfner.bsky.social.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Viktor Orbán, the man who broke Hungary Even if he loses the general election, Viktor Orbán will retain his grip on the country’s institutions, which he has stacked with his placemen. That could spell disaster for whoever wins – and for Hun...

Fresh from scuppering EU help for Ukraine, as the global far-right gathers in Budapest for its Patriotic Grand Assembly, can Orban yet win Hungary’s elections on April 12? Trump, Putin, Xi Jinping, and the fraternity of autocrats are doing what they can to help
www.thenewworld.co.uk/john-kampfne...

In a dangerous world, Britain needs its diplomats more than ever – this is no time to axe them | John Kampfner Cut off from Europe by Brexit and cast adrift by Donald Trump, maintaining diplomatic expertise and connections is crucial, says author John Kampfner

Job cuts at the British Foreign Office is another wilful act of self-harm, just at a time of maximum turbulence. My piece @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

In a dangerous world, Britain needs its diplomats more than ever – this is no time to axe them | John Kampfner Cut off from Europe by Brexit and cast adrift by Donald Trump, maintaining diplomatic expertise and connections is crucial, says author John Kampfner

Job cuts at the British Foreign Office is another wilful act of self-harm, just at a time of maximum turbulence. My piece @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

In a dangerous world, Britain needs its diplomats more than ever – this is no time to axe them | John Kampfner Cut off from Europe by Brexit and cast adrift by Donald Trump, maintaining diplomatic expertise and connections is crucial, says author John Kampfner

Job cuts at the British Foreign Office is another wilful act of self-harm, just at a time of maximum turbulence. My piece @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

There is a way out: it's called courage My journey to 10 countries in search of political imagination and best practice

It’s not easy to find a way out of our global quagmire, but I hope this contributes in a small way. Lessons on resilience, imagination and bravery from 10 countries

I am not right for it because I am neither smart nor innovative (and possibly also a bit older than 30), but if YOU are, this is a great opportunity. 👇

How the Russian Orthodox Church is recruiting for the Ukraine war – and alienating believers The Patriarchate’s support for the military has intensified, and its outreach has expanded to America’s religious right. But for the faithful at home, trust in the church is wavering, writes Lucy Ash

Patriarch Kirill has degraded his church by turning it into an army recruitment office. My piece today for @chathamhouse.org www.chathamhouse.org/publications...