Culture and Review

The aim of a new grassroots alliance, the Scottish Football Supporters Association, is to 'reclaim the game' for ordinary people and communities – to give Scottish football a real 'democratic moment', says Simon Barrow. This is important culturally and politically, not just for those who like sport. Community ownership and engagement is a core part of the new organisation's purpose.

Globethics.net has announced publication of a new book that examines how the world of digital technology is reshaping communications and the implications for society, culture and politics.

The Edinburgh-based Just Festival has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £25,000 in support of artists from Soweto.

If there had been a poll at the conversation on 'A Good Society' in Edinburgh recently, there is no doubt that notions such as equality, justice, hospitality, empathy, sharing and neighbourliness would have been at the heart of people's answers. Simon Barrow listens in on a passionate exchange between people of faith and practical concern.

On 11th September 1973, General Pinochet seized power in a vicious coup that led to the death of democratically elected President Salvadore Allende and resulted in the death and torture of many thousands of people. This is the 'other 9/11', points out Anna Schwoub, previewing the powerful and moving play Tejas Verdes.

It has often been said that there ought to be no such thing as an 'illegal' human being. Yet this language is used frequently and potently in relation to migration. Simon Barrow previews a film that looks at the issue from a human and historical point of view.

Digital democracy and the huge expansion of social media is transforming political action and diplomacy, says Dr Harry Hagopian, who has been expanding his own involvement in that arena, not least due to his regular podcasts on developments in the Middle East and North Africa. He looks especially at social media's impact in that region.