Mission Statement

The Week That Was is an independent digital forum that brings history into the present. It is founded on a simple belief: that today’s politics only make sense when placed in historical context. Rather than treating the news as fragmented pieces of information, the platform encourages young writers from around the world to question the adopted narratives, trace change and continuity, and engage with the news. It is designed as an open intellectual space to foster discussion. At its core, The Week That Was aims to dissect and examine current affairs. By grounding politics in history, the platform ensures that youth perspectives are not merely visible but taken seriously by peers and wider audiences.

Core Values

1.     Historical continuity

-       We view the ‘present’ as a chapter of the ‘past’. Every political event should be analysed through its historical roots in order to gain insight into the direction of the global future.

2.     Individuality

-       We believe that every perspective matters, but a coherent understanding only emerges through the testing of ideas and discussions. By bringing together diverse voices, we aim to refine thinking.

3.     Critical questioning

-       We do not offer answers. We raise questions that push young adults to rethink the status quo.

About the Founder & Community

I am a student drawn to history and the questions it raises about power and conflict. After six years at Cheltenham Ladies College, I founded The Week That Was out of a growing frustration with how the news is often consumed – quickly and without context. I wanted to create a space that looks beneath the overwhelming and eye-catching headlines to the historical forces that shape them. 

The Week That Was is a collective endeavour. My aim is to bring together young people from different backgrounds and different parts of the globe who are unwilling to be passive observers of global events. My role is to encourage discussion and help bridge the gap between History as a subject and engagement with the world. Together, we are building a platform for young thinkers who believe that understanding the past is essential to having a better future.