The marriage equality debate evokes strong feelings on all sides. But before we even arrive at the issue of marriage equality, there are deeper questions about the political and moral legitimacy of plebiscites themselves.

Are there some questions over which “the will of the people” has no jurisdiction?

The 45th Parliament presents ideal conditions for political discord and outright opportunism.

Western democracies are becoming more fractious, less cooperative. If this is to change, where will the change originate?

Are we finally being forced to reckon with the true consequences of our consequentialism?

Asylum seekers will go to extraordinary lengths in order to come to Australia, and so the Australian government must go to extraordinary lengths to prevent them from ever arriving.

Is constitutional recognition, without a ‘Treaty’, designed to placate of non-Indigenous Australians with the appearance of change?

The hard lesson learnt by the U.S. Civil Rights movement was that incremental, palatable, largely ‘symbolic’ victories can often act like a pressure-relief valve: easing the burden on the conscience of the white majority, but indefinitely delaying real, substantive justice. Is constitutional recognition, without a permanent settlement or ‘Treaty’ with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, one such palatable measure designed to placate of non-Indigenous Australians with the appearance of change?

Are global sporting events like the Olympic Games capable of delivering the civic and patriotic benefit they promise?

The chaotic lead-up to the 31st Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro has placed the economic and political benefits promised by such global sporting events under intense scrutiny.

Are the Olympics worth it?