Six Essential Weekend Reads: From Olympic Politics to European Dating Culture
Looking for brilliant reading material this weekend? Here are six standout articles from the past week that offer deep insights into global affairs, sports controversies, personal stories, and cultural trends.
1. The Dream of a US-Free World Order: Is It Possible?
In a timely featured essay, Eduardo Porter examines the ongoing disintegration of the world order. The analysis focuses on how the United States is undermining the very system of cooperation and shared values it helped establish after World War II. Porter concludes with a sobering observation: "History seems pretty clear that a world of roaming great powers is not particularly safe nor prosperous." This piece provides crucial context for understanding current geopolitical shifts.
2. Political Tensions at the Winter Olympics: A Preview for LA 2028
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have been marked by unusual political undercurrents. From the US men's hockey team's controversial phone call with former President Trump to backlash against athletes like Hunter Hess who criticized US leadership, these games have highlighted how sports and politics increasingly intersect. As Bryan Armen Graham notes, this is just a precursor to what might unfold at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028, where political tensions could become even more pronounced.
3. Inside a Royal Disgrace: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Controversial Life
Zoe Williams presents a fascinating interview with biographer Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled, which documents what Williams describes as "a priapic, exploitative and money-grubbing life in which nothing was ever refused him." The article delves into the shocking details of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's life and includes art critic Eddy Frankel's analysis of the now-famous photograph taken after his arrest, comparing its emotional impact to works by Goya and Munch's The Scream.
4. Gisèle Pelicot on Resilience: Surviving Trauma and Finding Hope
Angelique Chrisafis's moving interview with Gisèle Pelicot offers a powerful portrait of a woman whose story has captivated global attention. They discuss themes of shame, courage, and resilience, exploring how Pelicot's husband concealed his depravity behind the facade of a perfect partner. Despite her traumatic experiences, Pelicot maintains that "hope is allowed," providing an inspiring message about human strength and recovery.
5. The Disintegration Loops: A Musical Requiem for 9/11
For many New Yorkers, composer William Basinski's avant-garde masterpiece The Disintegration Loops captured the collective mood following the seismic shock of September 11, 2001. In conversation with Tim Jonze, Basinski and his friend Anohni discuss the creation of this influential work, which has resonated with hundreds of thousands of Guardian readers. The article explores how art can process and memorialize profound historical trauma.
6. European Dating Culture: What Singles in Oslo, Berlin, Paris and Rome Can Teach Us
After a difficult breakup, Kitty Drake immersed herself in internet dating, only to grow increasingly disillusioned with the experience. Her exploration turns to European dating practices, seeking insights from singles in Oslo, Berlin, Paris, and Rome about alternative approaches to relationships and connection. This piece offers a cross-cultural perspective on modern romance and the search for meaningful partnerships.
These six articles collectively provide a rich tapestry of analysis, storytelling, and cultural observation, perfect for weekend contemplation and discussion.
