The Signal
Your loyal guide to a changing world.

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12
Dec
Motion without movement

Motion without movement

The weekend despatch: What are Ukraine and Russia “negotiating”? Cuba’s secret oil lifeline. + Who is Benny Moré?
15 min read
11
Dec
Two names, no plan

Two names, no plan

Briefing: Washington has a phrase for its Ukraine compromise; no one has a plan. Tuvalu’s first climate migrants reach Australia. + Why is European innovation-led growth so low?
5 min read
10
Dec
‘Something we become’

‘Something we become’

Briefing: The U.S. boards a Venezuelan tanker as Machado reaches Oslo. A Congo “miracle” lasts five days. + Why is European innovation-led growth so low?
6 min read
09
Dec
Silent partners

Silent partners

Briefing: Gulf billions back Paramount’s hostile bid for Warner Bros. Trump’s peace deal fades in Thailand-Cambodia. + How do Gulf autocracies buy influence in America—legally?
5 min read
08
Dec
Pressure campaign in London

Pressure campaign in London

Briefing: Zelenskyy holds the line as Washington loses patience. China’s trade surplus hits $1 trillion. + What does owning America’s most valuable media properties actually get you?
6 min read
08
Dec
All the reach in the world

All the reach in the world

What does owning America’s most valuable media properties actually get you? Michael Socolow on the challenges and limits of billionaire influence.
7 min read
05
Dec
Old haunts

Old haunts

The weekend despatch: Why FIFA invented a peace prize. Thirty-eight years of ozone recovery. + What’s Wisdom Teeth Records?
17 min read
04
Dec
Signing day

Signing day

Briefing: A peace ceremony in Washington with weapons fire in South Kivu. Putin lands in New Delhi as the U.S. puts on pressure. + How has Europe become the destination for so much dirty money?
5 min read
03
Dec
‘Wasting the world’s time’

‘Wasting the world’s time’

Briefing: Venezuela resumes deportation flights from America. Ukraine peace talks stall in Moscow. + Why are Colombian armed gangs and militias launching so many drone attacks?
6 min read
02
Dec
The crime of connection

The crime of connection

Briefing: A fire killed 156 in Hong Kong; asking why is a national-security violation. Trump pardons a convicted drug kingpin—and endorses his party’s candidate. + How does joining a petition become a crime?
5 min read