Jewish-American journalist Michael Goldfarb, an occasional contributor to the JC and creator of the podcast ‘FRDH, First Rough Draft of History’, will be among the speakers at the Stoke Newington Literary Festival in London, running from 7-9 June.

In his talk, Mr Goldfarb will lay out his - semi-serious - case for splitting up America, a country that is “hopelessly divided” into liberal and conservative silos.

What’s the historical precedent? “I’ll be referring to the splitting up of the Kingdom of Israel after the death of Solomon.” Good to know someone’s doing some long-term planning.