The Signal
Your loyal guide to a changing world.

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18
Dec
While the president spoke

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?
6 min read
17
Dec
There is nothing to discuss

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?
5 min read
16
Dec
Ninety percent there

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?
5 min read
15
Dec
The conviction of Jimmy Lai

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?
6 min read
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