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5 Notes of Nationhood: Reimagining Eurovision as a Canvas for National Branding

May 14, 2025 No Comments

5 Notes of Nationhood: Reimagining Eurovision as a Canvas for National Branding

Switzerland’s triumphant return to the Eurovision spotlight in 2024, marked by Nemo’s genre-bending and emotionally charged performance of “The Code,” has set the stage for what promises to be a nostalgic yet electrifying 2025 contest. Hosted in the vibrant cultural metropolis of Basel, 37 countries will compete for the coveted win, reigniting the unifying magic that has long defined Eurovision’s legacy. As the glittering lights, flamboyant costumes, and pyrotechnic spectacles return to centre stage, it is worth pausing to reflect on the deeper forces at play beneath the sequins and smoke. More than a mere musical contest, Eurovision has evolved into a powerful site of cultural diplomacy – a strategic platform where nations craft and communicate their identities to a global audience. Every entry is more than just a song; it’s a performative expression of nationhood, often woven with historical memory, regional pride, political messaging, and soft power aspirations. These performances blend tradition with modernity, artistry with ideology — shaping how countries want to be seen and remembered. Through the following blog, I aim to explore five standout Eurovision performances that exemplify how states have harnessed the contest as a machine for national branding. Each performance is a case that reveals a distinct approach to soft power, offering insight into the evolving choreography of identity and diplomacy at play in this uniquely global spectacle.

Ukraine – “1944” by Jamala (2016) – Embodying Pacifism

Despite initially coming across as a haunting ballad, Jamala’s “1944” encapsulates a pacifistic message by delving into the historical trauma of the Crimean Tatars’ deportation under Stalin’s regime. Sung in both English and Crimean Tatar, the song intertwines personal and collective memory, as Jamala’s great-grandmother was among those forcibly displaced. The minimalist staging and emotive delivery emphasised the song’s gravity, allowing Ukraine to project a narrative of resilience and a commitment to peace. This performance not only secured Ukraine’s second Eurovision victory but also served as a poignant reminder of historical injustices, enhancing Ukraine’s international image by embodying pacifism as its central message.

Portugal – “Amar Pelos Dois” by Salvador Sobral (2017) – Embodying Difference

“Amar Pelos Dois,” written by Luísa Sobral and performed by her brother Salvador, is a gentle waltz ballad that stood in stark contrast to the typical Eurovision fare. It was during the time in which large-scale productions and flashy performances were gaining traction on the Eurovision stages differentiating Salvadar’s performance miles against his competitors. Performed in Portuguese with understated instrumentation, the song’s simplicity and emotional depth captivated audiences. Sobral’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s timeless quality highlighted Portugal’s rich musical heritage and commitment to authenticity. This entry not only brought Portugal its first Eurovision win but also reinforced Portugal’s message to the European stage, a message embodying the nation’s resilience to return to its roots and not follow flashy trends thereby embodying a spirit of difference.

Finland – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” by Lordi (2006) – Embodying Defiance

Similar to national branding by difference is national branding by defiance. Lordi’s “Hard Rock Hallelujah” broke Eurovision conventions with its heavy metal sound and theatrical monster costumes. The song’s fusion of hard rock with catchy choruses challenged the contest’s pop-centric norms, showcasing Finland’s unique music scene. This bold performance not only secured Finland’s first Eurovision victory but also positioned the country as a nation unafraid to defy expectations and embrace its distinct cultural expressions.

Israel – “Diva” by Dana International (1998) – Embodying Progressivism

Dana International’s “Diva” is an upbeat anthem celebrating powerful women from history and mythology. As the first openly transgender artist to win Eurovision, Dana’s victory was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation. Her performance, combining catchy melodies with glamorous visuals, allowed Israel to project progressive values and engage in cultural diplomacy. This win not only brought Israel its third Eurovision title but also sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion across Europe.

Ukraine – “Shum” by Go_A (2021) – Embodying Identity

“Shum,” performed by Go_A, is a high-energy track that blends traditional Ukrainian folk motifs with contemporary electronic beats. Sung entirely in Ukrainian, the song draws inspiration from ancient rituals and springtime celebrations. Its modern arrangement and dynamic staging showcased Ukraine’s ability to innovate while honoring its cultural roots. Finishing in fifth place, “Shum” resonated with audiences and reinforced Ukraine’s national identity through a fusion of the old and the new.

Written by: Mineka

My Writing Corner Pulse of the World

Scoring the Spectrum: Eurovision 2025’s Regional Highlights

May 12, 2025 No Comments

Scoring the Spectrum: Eurovision 2025’s Regional Highlights

Year after year, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) dazzles audiences with a glittering line-up of performers, each vying to harmonize artistic vision with show-stopping stagecraft leaving jurors and televoters in a state of dilemmic despair during the finals. In 2025, the trend iterates through a line-up strongly characterised by language diversity, meaningful lyrics and a diverse blend of genres ranging from pop, folk, rock and the occasional joke song to ignite a few laughs and giggles. Instead of nominating predictions in the usual fashion, this year invites a different lens: who triumphed within their regional blocs? Here’s a closer look at who I think would be the best-placed entries from across the Eurovision universe irrespective of whether or not they qualify to the finals.

Best Placed Big 5 Country: France (Louane – “Maman”)
Despite fans repeatedly nagging about France’s annual obsession with sending slow, emotionally-charged ballads, it is nonetheless the ballad powerhouse of the ESC. This year is no different and is arguably amongst the best ballads France has ever sent to the contest. “Maman”, sung by Louane, is a tearjerking ode to maternal strength and the timeless emotions that fill the empty void of meaning that follow a parent’s death. She delivers a raw and cinematic performance that finds power in subtlety allowing diverse audiences to reconcile with its lyrics extending far beyond language barriers.

Best Placed Nordic Nation: Sweden (KAJ – “Bara Bara Bastu”)
While France has remained steadfast in championing its love for emotive ballads, Sweden took a bold detour from its usual formula of English-language pop perfection—delivering something entirely unexpected this year. It is a song where humour is met with harmony in this unexpected Nordic gem. With a tongue-in-cheek tribute to sauna culture, KAJ blends traditional motifs with contemporary production, proving Sweden still knows how to innovate within the Eurovision formula.

Best Placed Former Yugoslav/Balkan Nation: Albania (Shkodra Elektroni – “Zjerm”)
Indisputably, Albania stands out as one of the impeccable performances this year that actually carries with it a minuscule chance of winning the entire contest. Zjerm, meaning fire in Albania, is a powerful ballad that explores the complexities of human compassion in a world that is brimming with injustice and oppression in a morally-constrained society. Moreover filtering the songs ontological richness, still leaves us with a captivating song that astutely amalgamates between the sound of tribal folk with electrofolk making it one of Albania’s bets entries into the contest.

Best Placed Central European Country: Austria (JJ – “Wasted Love”)
If there was one country that truly deserved to take home the top prize this year, it would be Austria. Performing on a boat battling a boisterous summer storm, Austria’s JJ brings Opera to the ESC stage with hints of pop and EDM creating one of the strongest songs in terms of musical composition and genre mixing. The song which dramatizes the intense emotions reverberating during a phase of unreciprocated love, illustrates a powerful case of how classical vocal techniques and lyrical depth can be adapted to contemporary music formats making it arguably the most impressive performance of the year.

Best Placed Benelux Country: Netherlands (Claude – “C’est La Vie”)
It is a simple song about the beauty of life that still manages to resonate with many. Claude delivered one of the most effortlessly stylish performances of the year with his bilingual bop, seamlessly blending French and Dutch lyrics into a smooth, retro-inspired sound. With vintage flair, charismatic stage presence, and a clever nod to the Netherlands’ multicultural identity, the performance stood out without trying too hard. It was a celebration of linguistic and cultural fusion that felt both nostalgic and fresh—earning applause and solid points across the board.

Best Placed Baltic State: Estonia (Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato”)
The surrealist rapper delivered a genre-defying performance that blurred the lines between performance and absurdist theatre. Welcoming this year’s joke entry is Estonia, whose Espresso-Machiatto appears to humorously play with Italian stereotypes through a series of nonsensical lyrics. It was as polarising but it was always unforgettable. Love it or not, the act boldly showcased Estonia’s commitment to creative risk-taking and artistic experimentation on the Eurovision stage.

Best Placed Caucasus Country: Armenia (Parg – “Survivor”)
It has been a weak year for the Caucasus Countries and Armenia appears to be the most stand-out performance this year. Parg who usually engages in a stirring fusion of folk instrumentation and cinematic pop, this year entry seems to merge between hard rock and athletic pop. Parg’s commanding vocals, paired with energetic visuals, created a performance that transcended language and borders.

Best Placed Anglophone Islands: Malta(Miriana Conte – “Serving”)
Malta brought unapologetic sass to the stage with “Serving,” a bold, club-ready anthem dripping with attitude and flair. Miriana Conte commanded attention from the first beat, delivering slick choreography, eye-catching fashion, and undeniable star power. It was a masterclass in pop performance—polished, provocative, and impossible to ignore.

Eurovision 2025, as accustomed as we are to every year, will see large disappointments and surprises but in doing so, it gave nearly every region a chance to shine. These performances weren’t just songs; they were cultural statements, regional triumphs, and soft power tools disguised in glitter and fog. Eurovision’s power lies not just in picking a winner, but in showcasing the kaleidoscope of Europe’s (And Australia’s) creativity—and this year, it did just that.

Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Predicted Best Performances (Summary)

CATEGORIES & TIEBREAK	Country
Best Placed Big 5 Country (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom)	France (Maman – Louane)
Best Placed Nordic Nation (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden)	Sweden (Bara Bara Bastu – KAJ)
Best Placed Balkan Country (Greece, Albania, Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia)	Albania (Zjerm – Shkodra Elektronike)
Best Placed Central European Country (Austria, Czechia, Poland, Switzerland)	Austria (Wasted Love – JJ)
Best Placed Benelux Country (Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands)	Netherlands (C’est La Vie – Claude)
Best Placed Baltic State (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)	Estonia (Espresso Macchiato – Tommy Cash)
Best Placed Caucasus Country (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia)	Armenia (Survivor – Parg)
Best Placed Anglophone Islands (Australia, Ireland, Malta)	Malta (Serving – Miriana Conte)

Written by: Mineka

Critique Corner My Writing Corner

Sacred Power and Secular Parallels: How Conclave (2024) Reveals the Political Struggles Within the Church and Society

April 28, 2025 No Comments

**Sacred Power and Secular Parallels: How Conclave (2024) Reveals the Political Factionalism Within the Church and Society**

Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave competed for awards against the most critically acclaimed films of 2024, celebrated for its star-studded cast, masterful screenplay, and immaculate production design. Inside the hallowed walls of the Vatican, cardinals from across the globe gather to elect a new pope, but beneath the rituals and prayers simmers a fierce battle of ideology, ambition, and secrecy. The film thus becomes a revelation, exposing how even the most sacred institutions are not immune to the forces of ideological rifts and division. These very forces are set to unfold once more within the Sistine Chapel in the coming weeks, as the election of “God’s Greatest Servant,” as the late Pope Francis once put it, takes shape. In such turbulent times, it is wise to recognise that Conclave’s portrayal of internal power struggles is not just confined to the walls of the Vatican but extends across contemporary society where political polarisation fractures the fabric of our society. It is therefore my objective in this piece to explore four arguments linked to Conclave that mirror the growing polarisation that defines modern society.

The Power of Swing Politics

Informally, swing politics refers to drastic shifts in voter sentiment, where electoral strongholds that once reliably supported a particular ideology or political party drift toward an entirely new one. One of the most commonly observed swings occurs along the broad axis of left and right ideals, while another – often more deeply felt – is the swing between liberal and conservative worldviews. The Liberal-Conservative spectrum is a structural impediment within political rhetoric and electoral discourse that is indisputably part and parcel of the battle to select a new pope. In Conclave, this spectrum is explored through the various political factions that make up the college of cardinals, who through secretive agreements and deals, manipulate the ideological currents that dictate the election of a new pope. These distinct factions predominantly include the Conservative and Liberal factions whose underlying political ideologies serve as the rifts through which electoral sentiments swing across the Conclave.

The Liberal Faction (Led by Cardinal Bellini) – Early in the conclave, Cardinal Bellini emerges as a potential candidate, who backs the support of Cardinal Lawrence and a few other liberal-leaning candidates (The Dean of the College of Cardinals). He symbolises the liberal, reformist faction of the College of Cardinals that pushes for the modernisation of religious scriptures through soft stance on issues such as sexuality, women and race. However, his position weakens significantly after a devastating terrorist attack on the Sistine Chapel. The attack heightens fear among the cardinals, creating a mood where conservative, security-focused ideals gain traction, and Bellini’s softer, reformist agenda begins to seem dangerously naïve to many electors.
The Conservative Faction (Led by Cardinal Tedesco) – The conservatives, led by the Cardinal Tedesco, represent a traditionalist perspective with values and ideals that are more or less congruent to the dominant views that have held Catholic Change for over a millennium. Despite being an early favourite, he astutely capitalises on the climate of fear after the attack, advocating for a strong, unyielding return to Church orthodoxy and authority. However, their momentum falters when Cardinal Vincent Benítez emerges as a moral counterpoint. Benítez’s message of peace, forgiveness, and inclusivity undercuts the fear-driven rhetoric of the traditionalists, offering the conclave a vision of strength through compassion rather than force. This shift reflects how new voices, emphasizing empathy over fear, can unexpectedly realign political landscapes.

This dynamic within Conclave closely mirrors contemporary political landscapes, where crises – whether acts of terror, economic collapses, or pandemics – often trigger a sharp swing towards conservative, security-driven politics. Similarly, periods of stability or instability under a conservative leaderships tends to favour progressive movements advocating for reform and inclusion. The film captures how ideological swings are less about coherent visions for the future and more reactive to fear, uncertainty, and the human desire for stability. In today’s society, we witness the same phenomena: moments of crisis fortify traditionalist forces, while emerging voices championing empathy and global solidarity struggle to find footing, only to eventually reshape the political conversation when the appetite for fear wanes. While exogeneous, like an act of terrorism, in the film could easily catalyse and expedite such a swing in ideology, the underlying force that powers swing politics is not exogenous nor endogenous shocks. Ultimately, it is a powerful group of undecided centrists that dictate ideological shifts whose uncertainty is what drives the forces of society as it did in Conclave.

Political Centrism as a Parameter of Uncertainty

In political theory, centrism advocates for gradual change through a diplomatic stance that resists both the right’s adherence to the status quo and the left’s pursuit of radical transformation. Unlike the liberal and conservative factions, which are hallmarked by clear leaders and ideological markers, the centrist faction within Conclave remains elusive, lacking both defined leadership and explicit values in the papal context. Although the film intentionally refrains from spotlighting any figures as explicitly centrist, it is indisputable that they collectively form the greatest majority within the College of Cardinals. This is evidenced by the repeated ideological shifts across each ballot and the ultimate twist that sees Cardinal Benítez secure the papacy. These fluid shifts mirror the cognitive and emotional volatility often seen among centrist voters, suggesting that centrism in the Vatican is less a coherent ideology than a void. Paradoxically, it is this very lack of ideological rigidity that propels the Conclave towards consensus, with the majority’s uncertainty ultimately determining the course of the Church’s future.

In this way, political centrism, with no definite definition, serves as a parameter of uncertainty – a force that can either stabilise or paralyse institutional decision-making depending on the pressures at play. Applied to broader society, centrism offers the virtue of moderation: the ability to cool down extremism, seek compromise and adapt to complex realities without resorting to ideological purism. However, its vice lies in its inherent ambiguity; in moments of profound moral or political crisis, the centrist impulse toward caution can devolve into indecision, allowing more extreme forces to set the terms of debate. In Conclave, as in the real world, the centrists’ reluctance to commit to bold positions prolongs instability, but ultimately their quiet, collective shift determines the course of history – illustrating how the “middle ground” often holds more power than either side realises, for better or for worse.

The Curse of The Populism

Beyond the liberal, conservative and centrists faction, is another faction that we are indirectly exposed to in the form of populism. In political rhetoric, populism is political philosophy that strives to appeal to ordinary people when their needs are disregarded by dominant and elite groups within society. It is an aspect of politics we witness daily as politicians carefully craft their image to represent the needs of the common man promising policies that work towards the utilitarian good of broader society. In Conclave the populist faction is primarily led by Cardinal Tremblay who positions himself as a man of the people, using simple slogans and emotional appeals rather than complex theological arguments to gain support. Yet, as the conclave progresses, his opportunism becomes apparent, and his shallow rhetoric is exposed through an event that represents the cursed hypocrisy of populism as the next paragraph illustrates.

Working with Sister Agnes, the head housekeeper, Cardinal Lawrence discovers that Cardinal Tremblay arranged for the sudden transfer of a servant to create issues with anotehr candiate and conceal evidence of the electoral corruption he had taken part in. Breaking into the late pope’s sealed apartments, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers documents revealing that Tremblay had bribed cardinals to secure his votes, a revelation that shakes the integrity of the conclave. . This sequence embodies The unwritten Curse of Populism: Tremblay, who rose on promises of humility and service to the people and College of Cardinals, is unmasked as a self-serving opportunist, demonstrating how populist rhetoric often cloaks corruption and ambition, ultimately deepening public distrust in institutions that claim to represent moral authority. It is a trap that ordinary citizen could easily fall to as they are swayed by politicians choosing to represent their interests by antagonising the existence of elites through an image that hides their corrupt ambitions.

Does Political Pragmatism win at the end of the day?

Ultimately, all factions — liberal, conservative, centrist, and populist — fail to secure the papacy due to their inability to unify the College of Cardinals and form a majority. It is Cardinal Benítez’s nuanced response to the terrorist attack that allows him to transcend these fractured ideologies and emerge as the true figure of political pragmatism. While the liberal faction falters with its idealistic calls for reform and the conservatives cling to fear-driven orthodoxy, Benítez’s approach stands out by focusing on reconciliation, peace, and unity. His pacifist stance not only addresses the immediate crisis but also offers a broader, more inclusive vision for the Church’s future, healing divisions and bridging gaps between the conflicting factions. By recognizing that the true challenge lies in overcoming fear and division, rather than perpetuating it, Benítez successfully shifts the ideological battleground away from rigid politics to a more humanitarian and pragmatic vision. His election illustrates that, in times of great crisis, political pragmatism — the ability to adapt, heal, and unify — proves to be the most effective and enduring ideology.

Written by: Mineka

My Writing Corner Creative Chronicles

An Alphabetical Exchange of Intimacy between Alfred and Oscar

April 27, 2025 No Comments

An Alphabetical Exchange of Intimacy between Alfred and Oscar

My Own Darling Boy,

I got your telegram half an hour ago, and just send a line to say that I feel that my only hope of again doing beautiful work in art is being with you. It was not so in the old days, but now it is different, and you can really recreate in me that energy and sense of joyous power on which art depends. Everyone is furious with me for going back to you, but they don’t understand us. I feel that it is only with you that I can do anything at all. Do remake my ruined life for me, and then our friendship and love will have a different meaning to the world. I wish that when we met at Rouen we had not parted at all. There are such wide abysses now of space and land between us. But we love each other. Goodnight, dear. Ever yours,

Oscar

My Dear Darling Oscar,

Entangled in the string that affixes our souls are dense drifts of envy, lies and dashes of disgust that stigmatise our eternal bond. Though the world we live in boasts an ocean of romances, that ocean is as dilute as a cup filled with a salty solute and saturated solvent. While they struggle and strive to ingest their love, how lucky are we to have met in this birth, pure as lovers who do not have to pulsate the same energetic efforts to sustain our bond. Yet despite my truth to your, our burgeoning bond is shadowed by a dark cloud that is ready to downpour the droplets of a cursed misery. To you those droplets fell in the form of sweat and to me it fell as tears, tears from the decades of frowns, laughs and squints I faced when having to deal with the jarring judgement of society. As much as I pray that those dark shadowy clouds would disappear into the stratosphere, I am stoned by what I have experienced whilst you laboured in prison. I hope you forgive my reluctance to reconcile as you exemplify with the abyss that sits between you and I but please be aware that between that abyss, the string that holds my love for you, shall never untie.

Alfred

My Darling Boy,

I am more than aware of the multiple entanglements between the string affixes our souls or dark clouds that lures over our bond. Just like you, being released from Gao bears no value on my immaterial freedom as I am still subject to the wandering eyes, sinister smiles and piercing speeches of society. Yet I believe our love for each other vanquishes the bitterness of the world which in turn is conquered by the burning passion we share for literary artworks. If the world does not want us to meet eye to eye then be it that way. The power of our love is such that it prevails through the exchange of letters and sonnets as opposed to pecks and kisses. Yet as I write these letters, I still feel the aura of your slim-glit soul, the reverberation of your red-rose lips and your gentle speech as it echoes the passion of poetry and chasms of boyish charm. Yet if ever we have the chance to reconcile, maybe in another time, when the world is recovered from its idiosyncrasy and the entanglements on our string have disentangled, let us remake our story together. Forever yours,

Oscar

My Own Darling Boy,

We are more than competent to perpetually pestering each other with the dire documentaries of dejection and distance we have experienced during the past two years. Yet as you have rightfully said, may these alphabetical exchanges bet the outlets through which we can celebrate and cherish our pulchritudinous passion for literary artworks through sonnets, ballads and villanelles that hegemonize the physical intimacy we are destined to be forbidden of. During the many times that I have had to write at Magdalen, your image has never failed to materialise in the depths of my mind. How much do I miss the wise consultations we shared as you reviewed my work. You are my literary muse as I am to you. Hence may these letters be the place where our erudite ideas connect and form the beautiful artworks of literature that you describe. If the power of fate destines us to be held in captivation, may the power of literature be the void through which we celebrate ‘The love that dare not speak its name’. Ever yours,

Alfred

Written by: Mineka