Article by Theresa Konova Part 1: Meaning of Totalitarianism: Characteristics and Expression. Totalitarism is defined as the type of political system in which the state has achieved control over every factor in public and private life. The overall rule is limited to one leader (defined as a dictator, although a few other decision-making people are supporting the singular persona of the dictator), and he has the power to shape the ideologies, norms, beliefs, activities and definition of the...

Article by Daniel Arrais do Livramento Whenever people think about dictatorships in Europe, what usually comes to mind is Hitler’s Germany, Stalin’s Soviet Union, Mussolini’s Italy, and Franco’s Spain. But have you ever heard of Portugal’s dictatorship? Although not widely known among non-Portuguese speakers, it was the longest-lasting dictatorship in Europe, lasting nearly 50 years (1926-1974). The aftereffects of this regime persist to this day, not only in Portugal’s culture, but also in...

Column by Geert Walinga Hedges might perhaps be one of the most endearing things humanity has ever invented. Green lines in the landscape to keep the sheep in, to mark boundaries, or, increasingly these days, as connecting corridors between fragmented nature patches. The hedge is making a comeback in our profession, promoted as a magnet for biodiversity and as a cooling element. Is the hedge being celebrated again under the banner of nature conservation and greening, or is there something...