The Conversation

The Conversation is a nonprofit media platform that features articles created from insights provided by the academic and research community. Launched in Australia in March 2011, it has grown to include six editions: the United Kingdom in 2013, the United States in 2014, Africa in May 2015, France in September 2015, Canada in June 2017, and Indonesia in September 2017. All articles published on The Conversation are licensed under Creative Commons. As of May 2018, the site attracts around 10.7 million visitors each month and reaches 35 million people through republication under Creative Commons.

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Tax Canadian movies? Why culture has always been at the centre of trade wars

1 day ago | theconversation.com | Sarah Smith

The United States government recently announced a plan to leverage a 100 per cent tariff on “foreign” films. President Donald Trump explained it was because he wanted to protect the U.S. film industry. He said other reasons include “national security” and “propaganda.” The current announcement may seem out of place in trade talks about steel and automobiles. But culture has long been a key part of North American trade relations.
Cuando los primeros humanos nadaban en el desierto del Sahara

2 days ago | theconversation.com | Antonio González-Martín |Alicia Estévez |Javier Rodriguez |Javier Rodríguez

Hace unos 10 000 años, una enigmática población humana dibujó en un abrigo rocoso imágenes que representan un grupo de personas nadando. Esta noticia no sería sorprendente si no fuera por la ubicación de la cueva, la historia de los personajes que la descubrieron y la secuenciación del ADN de los artistas que la pintaron. Las imágenes se encontraron en una cueva situada en la meseta de Gilf Kebir, en el suroeste de Egipto, junto a la frontera con Libia.
How the weather got ‘stuck’ over the UK - and produced an unusually dry and warm spring

2 days ago | theconversation.com | Simon Lee |Matthew Patterson

A “blocking” weather system lingering high above the UK has produced one of the driest, warmest and brightest starts to spring on record. April 2025 was the sunniest since records began in 1910. This followed the third-sunniest March, and both months saw temperatures well above average nationwide. On May 1, the temperature reached 29.3°C in Kew Gardens in London – a new record for the date.
From defenders to skeptics: The sharp decline in young Americans’ support for free speech

2 days ago | theconversation.com | Jacob Mchangama

For much of the 20th century, young Americans were seen as free speech’s fiercest defenders. But now, young Americans are growing more skeptical of free speech. According to a March 2025 report by The Future of Free Speech, a nonpartisan think tank where I am executive director, support among 18- to 34-year-olds for allowing controversial or offensive speech has dropped sharply in recent years.
Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?

3 days ago | theconversation.com | Tim Harcourt

Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This animosity likely stems from a phenomenon known as “the Barassi Line”, a cultural and geographical divide based on football preference which runs from Eden, NSW, through Canberra and up to Arnhem Land.
A glimpse of something better

3 days ago | theconversation.com | Misha Ketchell

Did you notice it? After a period of global instability and division, it feels like Australian democracy has just shown us a glimpse of what’s possible. It was an orderly, if at times uninspired, election campaign. Last week, it ended with a thoughtful and gracious concession speech. There is also cause for hope in the measured tone of a PM who seems determined to act with respect and humility in the face of a thumping win.
New recommendations for regulating neurotechnology in Canada include protecting Indigenous rights

3 days ago | theconversation.com | Judy Illes |Bartha M. Knoppers |Jennifer Chandler |Ross Upshur |Vardit Ravitsky

With Canada’s federal election behind us, we can now focus on a renewed commitment to our values and to economic growth. Both entail a commitment to the health and well-being of Canadians. Brain health in particular has taken on new meanings over the past years, and has garnered substantial recent attention from major international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization.
The 2024 Sir Paul Curran award for academic journalism goes to Paul Whiteley

5 days ago | theconversation.com | Laura Hood

Paul Whiteley, emeritus professor of government at the University of Essex, has been named as the 2024 winner of the Sir Paul Curran award for academic communication. The prize is awarded every year to an academic who has shown exceptional skill, dedication and engagement in communicating their knowledge to readers. Paul has contributed 120 articles to The Conversation since August 2014, helping readers understand the seismic political shifts that have taken place over that period.
I watched the Kremlin’s new Putin documentary (so you don’t have to) − here’s what it says about how the Russian leader views himself

5 days ago | theconversation.com | Peter Rutland

As the chances of President Donald Trump’s peace deal in Ukraine seemingly recede, attention turns back to the question of Vladimir Putin and his war aims. What does the Russian president want to achieve from the conflict? And when – and under what conditions – will he be willing to make peace? Thousands of lives and billions of dollars hinge on the answers to these questions.
Pope Leo XIV: Why the College of Cardinals chose the Chicago native and Augustinian to lead the church after Francis

5 days ago | theconversation.com | Joanne M. Pierce

When the 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on May 8, 2025, appeared on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time as Pope Leo XIV, he was cheered loudly by the huge crowd of pilgrims, tourists, local Catholics and other onlookers, who had waited hours for the first sign of white smoke and the official announcement. As a specialist in Catholic history and ritual, I know how important this moment was for Catholics and others all over the world.