03 September 2007
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From the Editor…
Welcome to the New Statesman website. Whether you are a new reader or an existing one - online or via the magazine - I hope you'll enjoy the great writing, fresh ideas and provocative debate that make the New Statesman Britain's award-winning current affairs weekly
Cover story
Guns - where are they all coming from?
The Conservatives blame Labour for the rise of armed violence. But, as Martin Bright reports, Merseyside's problems can be traced back to a disastrous decision by a former Tory home secretary
Features
Cameron: the gloves are off
The Tories are readying for battle; social breakdown will be their weapon against Brown
Britain's role in the new cold war
For years the Soviet Union and the US managed an uneasy balance of power. Now Russia is challenging Bush's dreams of full spectrum dominance. And, as the rhetoric heats up, a corner of Yorkshire finds itself on the front line.
Tibet: Death by consumerism
As part of its "civilising mission" - and to deter independence - China is taking control of the Tibetan economy. Modernity is being imposed by force, creating ghettos and spreading deprivation across the countryside
"Occupy, resist, produce"
Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis report on how Argentina's worker-run factories have nurtured a powerful social movement, while seamstress Matilda Adorno explains how a dispute over pay became a political struggle
Interview
"We learned to have ideals"
Seamstress Matilde Adorno explains how a dispute over pay at the Brukman factory in Buenos Aires became a political struggle and Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis report on how worker-run factories have nurtured a powerful social movement
Regulars
New Statesman Leader
How the rich keep the poor in their place
The easiest way to redistribute wealth is via the tax system
Purposeful pig's ear No 3993
Set by Hank T Romein The August issue of the "Oldie" revealed the existence of the Cock-Up Club (motto: "No cock-up, no wisdom"). We asked for membership applications from well-known people, living or dead, setting out their qualifications for membership, possibly even owning up to or revealing previously unknown cock-ups
Culture
Rebel without a pause
Once Hollywood's enfant terrible, Spike Lee is now directing blockbusters and TV shows. But, he tells Stephen Armstrong, he is still fighting for black cinema
Design for life
With six blocks in Berlin being considered for World Heritage status, good social housing is finally getting the recognition it deserves
Theatre
The phoney revolution
British political history isn't quite brought to life, but it's a valiant effort Holding Fire! Shakespeare's Globe, London SE1
Film
Mum's the word
David Mackenzie's tale of a teenage obsessive shows a touch of genius Hallam Foe (18) dir: David Mackenzie 2 Days in Paris (15) dir: Julie Delpy
Television
Underground heroes
Another great documentary from the BBC - this time about sewer workers Boys From the Brown Stuff BBC2
Radio
Big shout-out to the Finland crew
Pirate stations are under threat locally, but are going global on the internet
Books
The pitfalls of pride
David Marquand asks whether hubris is an occupational hazard for modern politicians. Should we be quicker to diagnose a condition with such disastrous consequences?
Men of principles
Faust in Copenhagen: a Struggle for the Soul of Physics Gino Segre Jonathan Cape, 320pp, £20
Growing up in a war
Young Voices: British Children Remember the War (1939-45) Lyn Smith Viking, 464pp, £20
East End promise
Sukhdev Sandhu scratches the surface of working-class London
Observations
The duty to inspire
Black people need to establish themselves in boardrooms, parliament and court rooms if they want to exercise real power in Britain today
Policing religion
There are signs that Saudi society may finally have had enough of the country's draconian religious police
Cry for the people trade
Slavery was never abolished - it was driven underground and continues to flourish
