TR

Thomas R Ullmann

ReasonRiffs

Bio

After completing my philosophy degree in 2009 I turned down the opportunity to continue his studies, disillusioned with what accademic philosophy had become. By the end of that year I worked as a farm hand in Belgium.

The following year, accompanied by guitar and tent, I began my summer cycling adventures, reaching the polar circle in Norway. The adventures over the next few years covered 28 countries, often multiple times such as Turkey and Ukraine. No trains or buses, the distance was covered by pedal power and occassionally sailing where required (bikes struggle on water).

Nonetheless, travel needn't be purely geographical, exploring thoughts and ideas is often underrated. As such, initially combining travel with study, I eventually returned to study physics at first in Amsterdam, followed by Germany where I currently reside persuing a PhD in, and teaching, the subject.

Additional interests include music composition, computer gaming, model making, photography, and strength training.

Articles

Showing 1 - 5 of 33 Articles

Traitor Trump: Sells out Ukraine, buys Russian oil

Trump’s Russian diesel deal and Graham Act waiver ease pressure on Moscow while Ukraine faces mounting strain. Here’s what it means for the war.

Volume LIV: Seven Days

Germany’s reconciliation with its Nazi past: It’s not what you think

An overview of the history of the German public's reckoning with its past and what others can learn.

Volume LIV: Seven Days

Preparing for Power: What Democrats Can Learn from UK Labour

Victory must be accompanied by preparation for power by the Democratic Party. The UK offers lessons in both failure and recovery

Volume LIII: 22 Days Until the Election

Impressions from Western Ukraine

In the summer of 2026, I cycled more than 2,000 kilometres from Leipzig to Lviv and back as part of a fundraiser for Ukraine.

Volume LII: 43 Days Until the Election

Europe Burns: The Growing Threat to Europe’s Food Security

Adaptation or disaster. Fire and drought may lead to lower food stores in Europe as well as key exports like olive oil.

Volume XLIX: 85 Days Until the Election