Category: Features
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Statues of Soviets: The case of Grutas Park, Lithuania
Darcy Gresham examines Grutas Park in Lithuania, a unique site for preserving Soviet-era statues.
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Satirising the Honour System: The Tale of Mac Da Thó’s Pig
Jazmine Chambers explores The Tale of Mac Da Thó’s Pig, a satirical take on the honour system in early Irish literature.
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“I Never Saw Myself as a Spy”: How Klaus Fuchs Leaked United States Atomic Bomb Secrets to the Soviets
The history of the Cold War is filled with dubious tales of espionage. Eva Beere recounts the real-life case of Klaus Fuchs, the spy who passed details of the British and American atomic bomb projects to the Soviets.
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The Eroding Consequences of the European Comparison
Peter the Great’s attempt to turn Russia into Rome of the north did not last after he passed away. Emilio Luppino analyzes 19th century Russian literature on Russia’s identity crisis in relation to Europe.
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Emperors and Their Boys: Homosexuality in the Court of China’s Western Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty emperors engaged in romantic relationships with male companions, reflecting a nuanced perspective on homosexuality. Yet, these relationships intertwined affection with political power dynamics and as Kilan Duan notes, they reveal deeper societal implications regarding loyalty and authority during that era.
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Murder, Resurrection and Dissection: The Dark History of Edinburgh’s Medical Past
In 1827 Edinburgh, Burke and Hare murdered lodgers to sell corpses to Dr. Knox, leading to Burke’s execution and posthumous dissection for anatomy. Abbie Teal recounts this gruesome episode of Edinburgh’s history.
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Beyond Boundaries: Pioneers in Chinese Women’s Education from Past to Present
The recent focus on Zhang Guimei and her pioneering work at Huaping High School highlights the vital role of women in advancing education in China. Sarah Zhou discusses how their legacies inspire and promote ongoing efforts towards gender equality and educational opportunities.
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Kommunalka: The Thin Wall Between the Public and the Private in Soviet Collective Housing
Kommunalka, shared apartments in the Soviet Union, emerged post-World War II, fostering unique communities despite a lack of privacy. Olivia Hiskett reflects on their complex blend of Soviet ideology, necessity, and pre-revolutionary communal traditions, shaping social dynamics amidst distrust.
Retrospect Journal 