Sam France

Geoffrey Cain, journalist and author on China, on how recent events reshape Xi Jinping’s foreign-policy alliances. Justin Marozzi, historian of the Middle East, traces martyrdom narratives in Iran and the risks of escalation. Alex Diggins, political reporter, exposes the crisis and human dangers in the Palace of Westminster’s stalled restoration. Sam France, Spectator writer, offers a short celebratory piece about the 50p coin.