The European Union is increasingly setting itself on a war footing, aligning itself ever more starkly with Empire. The contradictions of membership for Ireland couldn’t be clearer, writes Clare Daly. Progressive politicians must choose whether they stand with or against revamped imperialism.

The 26-county state’s tradition of engaging in principled neutrality has its roots in our anti-colonial struggle, writes Kieran Allen. We have no choice but to defend it vigorously against the pressures of empire and oppression.

Ireland’s artistic reputation thrives abroad, yet at home the system supporting creative freedom is under strain. Sara and Joshua Muthi argue that art cannot survive on private patronage alone and ask if the republic will protect it as a space of freedom or let it fall to market forces.

In this interview, veteran republican activist Mitchel McLaughlin reflects on his involvement in running Number 1 West End Park, a semi-derelict Derry townhouse that was converted into a space for insurgent cultural and political organisations.

Under Macron, French workers face sweeping neoliberal reforms but have won key battles. Shane OCurry highlights the worker-owned Duralex glassware cooperative, showing how workers challenge neoliberal norms and hinting at a potential path forward for Europe.

Although infamous for his eventual capitulation to Empire, in his early writing the German Social Democrat Karl Kautsky made significant contributions to the development of Marx and Engels' republican thought, writes Ben Lewis.