Six Essential Weekend Reads: From Olympic Politics to European Dating
Looking for something brilliant to read this weekend? Here are six standout pieces from the last seven days, offering a diverse range of insights and stories.
1. The Decline of US-Led Global Order
In a timely featured essay, Eduardo Porter examines the disintegration of the world order, arguing that the United States is undermining the system of cooperation and shared values it helped establish after World War II. The piece concludes with a stark reminder: "History seems pretty clear that a world of roaming great powers is not particularly safe nor prosperous." This analysis delves into how global leaders are envisioning a future less dependent on American influence.
2. Political Tensions at the Winter Olympics
From the US men’s hockey team’s friendly phone call with former President Trump to backlash against critics like Hunter Hess, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games were marked by unusual political undertones. As highlighted by Bryan Armen Graham, these events hint at even greater political dynamics expected at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028. The article features gold medalist Alysa Liu, photographed with her medal, symbolizing the intersection of sports and politics.
3. Inside a Royal Disgrace: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Zoe Williams presents a fascinating interview with Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled, a biography detailing what Williams describes as "a priapic, exploitative and money-grubbing life in which nothing was ever refused him" regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The piece also references art writer Eddy Frankel’s comparison of a famous photograph of Mountbatten-Windsor after his arrest to works by Goya and Munch’s The Scream, adding a cultural perspective to the scandal.
4. Gisèle Pelicot on Resilience and Hope
Angelique Chrisafis’s moving interview with Gisèle Pelicot explores themes of rape, courage, and recovery. Pelicot discusses how her ex-husband concealed his depravity behind a facade of perfection, terrifyingly loved by everyone. Despite her trauma, she emphasizes that "hope is allowed," offering a powerful portrait of shame and resilience that has captivated readers worldwide.
5. The Disintegration Loops: A 9/11 Requiem
For many New Yorkers, composer William Basinski’s The Disintegration Loops encapsulated the mood following the seismic shock of the September 11 attacks. In an interview with Tim Jonze, Basinski and his friend Anohni discuss the creation of this avant-garde masterpiece, reflecting on how it became a symbolic requiem for the tragedy, resonating with hundreds of thousands of Guardian readers.
6. European Dating Insights for the Disillusioned
After a breakup, Kitty Drake immersed herself in internet dating, only to grow increasingly disillusioned. Her article explores whether singles in Oslo, Berlin, Paris, and Rome can offer alternative approaches to meeting people, with a focus on cultural differences in dating practices. This piece provides a lighthearted yet insightful look into modern romance across Europe.
These articles cover a wide array of topics, from global politics and sports to personal stories and cultural phenomena, ensuring there’s something for every reader this weekend.
