End games
The weekend despatch: Why is a living American president memorializing himself? A lemon-shaped planet with diamond rain. + How British is British R&B?
While the president spoke
Briefing: A record U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, without a word from the top. The fight in Europe over frozen Russian assets. + How has China become so rich?
There is nothing to discuss
Briefing: Putin has an ultimatum for everyone. Sudanese paramilitaries have murdered tens of thousands in al-Fasher. + Who's afraid of Jimmy Lai?
Ninety percent there
Briefing: Security guarantees with an expiration date for Ukraine. Security forces beat a Nobel laureate in Iran. + What do you do if you're the European Union, sitting on €200 billion belonging to the Kremlin?
The conviction of Jimmy Lai
Briefing: A verdict and a diplomatic bet in Hong Kong. The sharpest right turn since Pinochet in Chile. + What does the transformation of the German military mean for Europe?
Motion without movement
The weekend despatch: What are Ukraine and Russia “negotiating”? Cuba’s secret oil lifeline. + Who is Benny Moré?
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?
‘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?
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?
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?
