Joined June 2009
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Jan 21
On the day of Trump-Davos-Doom, here's an animation that sets out some optimism. 'Braver New World'. Ten countries with lessons in radical change to improve lives & strengthen democracy. More on the book to come, including some thrilling endorsements
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Jun 10
Thank you @int_mon_econ
Thought-provoking!
"Braver New World: The Countries Daring to Do Things Others Won’t" by John Kampfner.
"At a time when democracies seem paralyzed by fear and populations are turning inward, award-winning journalist John Kampfner travels to ten countries confronting our shared challenges with bravery and imagination. ...Kampfner introduces us to the people making radical change happen. These aren't utopias. But what unites them is a refusal to accept that difficult problems are unsolvable."
amzn.to/4u51r1c
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John Kampfner retweeted
Jun 5
Much of Estonia’s strength revolves around digital technology, argues John Kampfner. It is ranked among the most efficient systems of e-government, alongside one of the strongest systems of cybersecurity.
foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/04…
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John Kampfner retweeted
Die AfD beschreitet im Wahlkampf in Sachsen-Anhalt den Weg der Ideologisierung von Kultur, die wieder einem bestimmten Weltbild dienen soll. Das erinnert in gewisser Weise an die Kulturpolitik der DDR, in der es ideologisch gewünschte und unerwünschte Kultur gab.
Unter vielen erschreckenden Ideen im AfD-Programm Sachsen-Anhalt ist diese besonders verräterisch: das Bauhaus wird als „wurzellos“ denunziert, genau wie schon von den Nazis.
Es geht hier um eine rechtsextreme Kulturrevolution, und da kann eine Landesregierung einiges erreichen.
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When people talk about tech they focus on ease of use. In Estonia, all 3000 public services are online, 2 weeks a year saved per person. But it's much more. It's changed the relationship between state & individual, giving citizens control of their data
foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/04…
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Pleasure @rceallen. Enjoyed your book
Jun 8
The great @johnkampfner has written an interesting piece about Estonia (and my book) in @ForeignPolicy - thanks John!
foreignpolicy.com/2026/06/04…
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May 30
Next Friday, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration opens. After years of fundraising, hoping and dreaming, it's finally happening.
For me, as Chair for the past six years, it'll be a proud moment.
Lots of great publicity in recent weeks. Latest:
theguardian.com/books/2026/m…
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May 29
Sunday, 6.30pm, Berlin, Potsdamer Platz. Part of the
Doxumentale festival. Braver New World, a reading and in conversation with Bianca Kriel
doxumentale.de/de/programm/v…
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May 29
Fascinating discussion with @DMiliband @observer
Book Club @RSAEvents
As politicians scramble, we talked about 'Braver New World', best practice around the world and what can be transferred.
This is the whole thing, but easy to dip in and out of it.
youtube.com/watch?v=WwEcVX52…
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John Kampfner retweeted
May 29
BOOK: really enjoyed 'Braver New World' by @johnkampfner What can happen to countries when politicians dare to make important changes to solve problems.
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May 29
thank you @NicolaiTang1
May 29
BOOK: really enjoyed 'Braver New World' by @johnkampfner What can happen to countries when politicians dare to make important changes to solve problems.
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May 21
This evening at 6pm. Large audience expected. Keen to hear what @DMiliband has to say...
May 17
I'm in discussion with @DMiliband @theRSAorg
this coming Thurs 21st May to discuss a future for Labour, the UK and further afield... and of course 'Braver New World'. Part of @ObserverUK Book Club.
observer.co.uk/our-events/th…
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May 19
A very positive review of Braver New World in @NewStatesman followed the next day by a very positive piece in @Daily_Express. What does that mean, I wonder? Shoots of optimism on both sides of the political divide?
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May 17
I'm in discussion with @DMiliband @theRSAorg
this coming Thurs 21st May to discuss a future for Labour, the UK and further afield... and of course 'Braver New World'. Part of @ObserverUK Book Club.
observer.co.uk/our-events/th…
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May 15
was a great conversation @hoyer_kat
May 14
Tonight, I'm talking WEIMAR with @johnkampfner at @Dauntbooks Marylebone (one of the loveliest, olde-worldiest book shops in the country).
Come along if you're in the area!
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May 14
With Britain in the throes of leadership mayhem, there's only one way for liberal democracy to survive: think big, think bold, think imaginatively. There is no future for caution. Braver New World. @guardian
theguardian.com/commentisfre…
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John Kampfner retweeted
The Observer Book Club - 21 May
Join us for a discussion of Braver New World, the new book by award-winning journalist John Kampfner.
He will be joined by former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband and The Observer Editor-in-Chief James Harding. 🔽
thersa.co/3Qz4rVH
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John Kampfner retweeted
Braver New World by John Kampfner @johnkampfner — how to be bold in troubled times ft.com/content/7de31309-ac0f… via @ft
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A lovely review of Braver New World @FT. 'A fine book'... and more... thank you.
In a week when politics in the UK and elsewhere is shown to be disarray, some optimism and some possible solutions might be deemed in order.
ft.com/content/7de31309-ac0f…
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