Andrew Noakes

As the war with Iran continues, the Greenland Crisis that came before it has started to fade from view. But as the transatlantic alliance buckles under renewed strain, one particularly unsettling part of that episode must not be forgotten, because it tells us a great deal about the tightrope Keir Starmer has to walk now over Iran – and beyond.

Debating Ideas reflects the values and editorial ethos of the African Arguments book series, publishing engaged, often radical, scholarship, original and activist writing from within the African continent and beyond. It offers debates and engagements, contexts and controversies, and reviews and responses flowing from the African Arguments books. It is edited and managed by the International African Institute, hosted at SOAS University of London, the owners of the book series of the same name.

Today’s post is by Andrew Noakes, founder of The Niche Reader. You’ve assembled your team of excellent beta readers, you’ve convinced them that yes this manuscript is your precious creation, years in the making, but no you will not have a complete meltdown if they don’t enjoy every single aspect, and you’ve hit send. Job done, right? Wrong! It’s time to think about what you’re going to ask your beta readers once they’re finished reading.