December 11, 2024
Do We Really Need Avocados and Kiwis at Christmas in the Alps?
Our technological age has seen the death of regular reading, inhibiting young people’s ability to envision new possibilities. Co...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniNovember 20, 2024
Apocalypse, Not Now, But Soon!
In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, from “apocalyptic” elections to endless wars, democracy demands rethinking....
by Peter IsacksonNovember 6, 2024
Trump’s Return: An Urgent Call for a Broader Perspective
Trump’s comeback marks a historic shift in US politics, driven by widespread dissatisfaction, economic inequality and a decline ...
by Atul Singh & Roberta Artemisia Campani October 23, 2024
When Robots Silence Smiling Children, the End Is Near
A cell phone Zoom conference this morning with children across the world, strung through the most tenuous internet connection poss...
by William SoftkyOctober 9, 2024
We Need More Community and a Different Kind of Self-Care
Join the conversation and build community. Engaging with others is a powerful form of self-care. Share your thoughts, connect with...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniSeptember 25, 2024
The Beauty of Being Old in a Youth-Obsessed World
Aging reveals another kind of beauty, instead of focusing on scars and wrinkles we can value the quality of experience; embracing ...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniSeptember 11, 2024
Now It’s Clear, Osama bin Laden Won the War on Terror
Twenty-three years after 9/11, the US stands weakened, politically divided and morally coarsened by its ill-thought response to Os...
by Atul SinghAugust 28, 2024
Climate Change, Nightmare Flooding and the Love of Neighbor
Even as climate change leads to dangerous extreme weather events, human compassion steps in to protect the vulnerable....
by Tanisha DesaiAugust 14, 2024
Buon Ferragosto: An Old Roman Holiday in a New Avatar
Today, Pakistan celebrates its independence day and tomorrow India does the same. Tomorrow, August 15, is also Italy’s summer ...
by Anton SchaubleJuly 31, 2024
Cinema, Politics, Roosters and Community Around a Warm Meal
A visit to my parents who live in a small Alpine village in Switzerland makes me nostalgic and realize that moments of connection ...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniJuly 17, 2024
Stories of Silencing: Why Americans Need to Wake Up
Whether the result of a government’s iron fist or of habits that have become part of our day-to-day lives, the silencing of disc...
by Emma JohnsonJuly 3, 2024
From Revolutionary War Victory to Now, America Carries On
Growing up in small-town Oklahoma and now living in Washington, DC has shaped the author’s perspective on the United States. Des...
by Elizabeth TateJune 26, 2024
A Sunburn Can Make You Realize How Weird History Is
The phenomena of sunburning and skin cancer reveal that something as apparently natural as going out in the sun can be unfamiliar,...
by Anton SchaubleJune 12, 2024
Introducing our partners at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe
Fair Observer partners with IDM to expand coverage with diverse views, offering insights on Central and Eastern Europe. FO° also ...
by Anton SchaubleMay 29, 2024
How Dangerous Is AI for the Future of the Media?
Let’s focus on media literacy as AI's potential marriage with journalism could become either a fruitful union or a chaotic farce...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniMay 22, 2024
Guns Roar and Media Discussions Easily Turn Into Bombings
Media outlets should put forth points for thought, not talking points. Fair Observer is a free and fair forum for debate and discu...
by Josef OlmertMay 8, 2024
Bicycles, Oracles and Today’s Education Riddle
Exploring the power of experiential learning, let's challenge over-reliance on protective parenting and therapy. We advocate for ...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniMay 1, 2024
Why Teach Literature to Inmates in Prison for Life?
Volunteering at San Quentin to teach inmates literature was challenging but rewarding. That experience prepared me to serve Fair O...
by Ti NgoApril 24, 2024
Migration Is a Two-Woman Story, Full of Hope and Danger
We celebrate and explore the struggles of migrant women, especially in domestic labor, as detailed by psychologist Simona Taliani....
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniApril 17, 2024
The AI Challenge Must Pass Through a Dialogue With You
ChatGPT does not know how to dialogue, but human beings do. Yet the article format tends to encourage monologue. We invite you to ...
by Peter IsacksonApril 10, 2024
FO° Wednesday: More Than a Year of Reflections Now
Facts matter but facts alone are not enough. Perspective is key as my father made me realize by giving me history books from four ...
by Atul SinghApril 3, 2024
Not Just Mykonos: What I Learned on a Tour of Greece
Although it may seem small compared to neighbors Italy or Turkey, Greece is a world filled with dynamic cities and eternal country...
by Liam RomanMarch 27, 2024
Does Punitive Justice Favor Good Over Evil?
A reflection on punitive versus restorative justice approaches, where real-life crimes and literary insights challenge our percept...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniMarch 20, 2024
From Chaos to Fair Observer: The Unexpected Path to Becoming a Voice
A native son of Afghanistan, Ali traveled through authoritarian societies in Iran, Russia and Turkey. Fair Observer gave him a pla...
by Ali Omar ForozishMarch 13, 2024
From Mumbai Central to the Willingdon Sports Club of Bombay
The posh colonial world collides daily with the crazy street life of India. Anglicized local elites have replaced white Brits in m...
by Atul SinghMarch 6, 2024
It’s Women’s Day. Why Are Some Women Now Choosing Sterilization?
France's landmark constitutional affirmation of abortion rights elicits a spectrum of reactions, igniting a pivotal discourse on t...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniFebruary 28, 2024
FO°’s Saturday Editorial Workshop Is a Vibrant New Community
As Fair Observer’s interns learn the ropes of editing, they are forging a community defined by curiosity, debate, discussion, in...
by Anton SchaubleFebruary 22, 2024
Delicious Tagliatelle With Love at the Origin of the Universe
A personal outlook on waste, globalization, and societal values. A broad reflection on consumerism and environmental impact with a...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniFebruary 14, 2024
The Story of Valentine’s Day, Love Don’t Whine!
The fascinating evolution of Valentine's Day from medieval England to Esther Howland's commercial revolution culminates in its mod...
by Ellis CashmoreFebruary 7, 2024
FO° Needs You to Shine the Spotlight on Africa
Fair Observer invites African voices to enrich global dialogue. Share your unique stories and perspectives. Join us in amplifying ...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniJanuary 31, 2024
The New Story of Old Timelines
Timelines are our fiore all’occhiello, the flower in a tuxedo pocket. Some of us might look old and certainly old-fashioned, yet...
by Roberta Artemisia Campani & Anton Schauble January 24, 2024
New Year’s Resolutions or New Year’s Revolution?
Ten years ago, I met Atul Singh on LinkedIn when I published an article countering his thoughts on religion. Last year, I met Rod ...
by Peter IsacksonJanuary 17, 2024
In Populism’s New Chills, Let’s Cultivate Our Gardens
With all that’s going on in the world, it may be time to make things with one’s hands, a most therapeutic exercise. The act of...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniJanuary 10, 2024
How Can a Croissant Sustain a Hadron Collider?
A coffee-shop conversation on local issues can take us on a ride through space and time, enriching our lives....
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniJanuary 3, 2024
Our New Citizen Journalism Model Values Your Voice
Fair Observer is a community that needs your unique talents and many perspectives.
by Atul Singh, Roberta Artemisia Campani & Anton SchaubleDecember 27, 2023
Why Perspectives From Around the World Are Valuable
Like a varied diet, a plurality of perspectives is a jolly good thing.
by Atul SinghDecember 20, 2023
Revisiting the Forgotten Perspective of Rome
The magnificence and beauty of Rome remind us that wars and disasters are not the only topics for serious minds....
by Anton SchaubleDecember 6, 2023
Creating a Community: The New Story of FO° Meetups
Communities and conversations enrich the human experience. Unlike centuries-old Oxford or the Cosmos Club, FO° Meetups are new. I...
by Atul SinghNovember 29, 2023
What Makes London Special: History, Beauty or Community?
London is a magical city where I once lived and now regularly visit. This great city has become more magical with time because of ...
by Atul SinghNovember 22, 2023
The Value Of Self-Discipline, As Revealed By Sushi
A sushi restaurant’s policy made me reflect on the importance of self-discipline. American culture prioritizes indulgence over r...
by Lee Thompson-KolarNovember 15, 2023
Ellis Cashmore: Master Of Timelines, Pop Culture And Celebrities
Here, we pay tribute to one of our longstanding and beloved authors. Professor Ellis Cashmore and our FO° Team have forged a numb...
by Roberta Artemisia Campani & Anton Schauble November 8, 2023
Language, Culture And Geopolitics
After Latin, French was the language of high culture in the West. It still remains a highly cultured language....
by Roberta Artemisia Campani & Anton Schauble November 2, 2023
Ukraine Is Now Sadly Sliding Into The Shadows
Amidst shifting media priorities from ongoing global conflicts to headline-grabbing events, the mission of a non-profit media orga...
by Peter IsacksonOctober 25, 2023
The Privilege Of Paying Attention
News can sometimes be uncomfortable and painful, but paying attention to so-called faraway places is important because only then c...
by Lane GibsonOctober 18, 2023
Why We Need Many Narratives To Fight Polarization
The ongoing Israel-Gaza war demonstrates more starkly than ever how competing narratives polarize society. We publish many perspec...
by Atul SinghOctober 11, 2023
Can A Daily News Cycle Be Authentic Writing?
The circumstances and limitations of a publishing cycle can pose a threat to journalistic integrity. But, if we remain dedicated t...
by Roberta Artemisia Campani & Anton Schauble October 4, 2023
Genuine Humanity Can’t Be Condensed In A Stereotype
If you go across the world and talk to people, you will learn that the people you’ve been taught to hate are humans just like yo...
by Bilal RahmaniSeptember 27, 2023
Why Do We Never Get Tired Of Books?
Books are magical. As Carl Sagan once said, a book is “a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniSeptember 20, 2023
Innovative Games That Speak To The Heart
Video games are more than just entertainment. Like all true art, they have the capacity to captivate the soul....
by Lee Thompson-KolarSeptember 14, 2023
What Is Really Happening In San Francisco
Known for its streets that rise steeply and descend even more abruptly, it's worth noting that San Francisco's own roller coaster ...
by Mark CummingsSeptember 6, 2023
2023, A Year Of Tectonic Shift
August has been no vacation for many in the world. BRICS — the grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa...
by Peter IsacksonAugust 30, 2023
Musings From The San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco is the innovation hub of the world, but it is also home to scenes of shocking poverty and workers struggling to get ...
by Atul SinghAugust 24, 2023
Revealing Hidden Stories From Limestone Strata To The Sea Of Information
Like a fossilized seabed, human conversation is a treasure trove of information, waiting for curious divers who seek meaning....
by Roberta Artemisia Campani & Anton Schauble August 17, 2023
Broken English: How To Survive A Shifting Language
Language is amazingly dynamic. Editors, who seek to tame dynamism with rules, have a delicate job.
by Anton SchaubleAugust 9, 2023
Fair Observer Is Not Itching To Change Its Name
Twitter is now X, but Fair Observer remains committed to its name, seeking the honest truth, not flashy branding....
by Peter IsacksonAugust 2, 2023
Why I Write For Fair Observer
To write, one must learn how to think, how to be honest with an audience and how to admit when one goes wrong....
by Alex GloyJuly 27, 2023
Magical Monsoons and Local Democracy
Trying to control a rambunctious India from 28 bureaucratic capitals is just as silly as trying to control the wind and the rain i...
by Atul SinghJuly 19, 2023
The Vocation of an Editor
An editor can craft the style, but not the message. Reason — the author’s reason — must prevail, not the editor’s will....
by Anton SchaubleJuly 13, 2023
Why Global Connections Are Powerful
The world is so much larger than we think. A search engine cannot help us discover the world. Only through dialogue with others ca...
by Lane GibsonJuly 13, 2023
Will the French Revolution Be Televised?
The international media need a story to tell, so they tell tales of disaster in France. What they ignore are somehow both the more...
by Peter Isackson & Thomas Isackson June 29, 2023
Our Expanding Philosophical Horizons
Fair Observer will include philosophy alongside politics, because we don’t just want to understand what is happening, but what i...
by Peter IsacksonJune 22, 2023
New Website, More Diversity, Better Design
Fair Observer’s new website design will make our diversity of perspectives, topics and formats more visible and easily accessibl...
by Atul Singh, Peter Isackson & Claire WhitakerJune 14, 2023
Albania’s History Can Teach Us How to Cope With Our Present
Albania still bears the scars of a traumatic dictatorship, but it is trying to reckon with its past and understand, not forget, it...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniJune 7, 2023
Our New CFO Is Asking for Your Support
Fair Observer allows anyone, rich or poor, to publish their perspective and participate in a global conversation — but we need y...
by Ti NgoMay 31, 2023
The Taliban Threaten Us
Fair Observer’s commitment to the truth has made us powerful enemies. We exercise prudence, but stick firmly to our principles....
by Atul SinghMay 24, 2023
An Insightful Journey Through Breakfast Conversations
AI can be a valuable partner in dialogue, if we approach it with intentionality, intelligence and a healthy degree of skepticism....
by Peter IsacksonMay 18, 2023
Experiences of the Youngest Generation
Three young members of our team share their experience of learning and growing at Fair Observer.
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniMay 10, 2023
Empowering Connections, or How a Surprising Network Changed My Life
Fair Observer is a community dedicated to free dialogue, and only in a community — a network of real people — can we escape fr...
by Nick WatsonMay 3, 2023
Good Health Needs Good Information
Doctors could not have gotten through the COVID pandemic without a global network of people sharing information and helping each o...
by Jennifer WiderApril 27, 2023
The Man Flammonde, or How I Met Atul Singh
Discourse in Washington can be driven by inertia, uncritical repetition and intellectual laziness. It takes grit and commitment to...
by Christopher Roper SchellApril 19, 2023
Gotthard Pass (2,106 Meters) and the Geography of the Soul
Like a mountain pass in the high Swiss Alps, Fair Observer bridges barriers across communities. In our new weekly feature, FO° Bo...
by Roberta Artemisia CampaniApril 15, 2023
The United Colors of Benetton
It takes work to get a team in different continents and diverse cultures to meet and work together, but the results are more than ...
by Atul SinghApril 5, 2023
The World Is Changing and so Is Fair Observer
The world is becoming more multipolar and more confusing. To understand this world, we are embarking on a multipolar approach in F...
by Peter Isackson