‘This time, he has the cadres’
Feature: Is Donald Trump really deconstructing democracy in the United States? Steve Hanson on the American consolidation of patrimonial rule.
What doesn’t kill them
Feature: Is anyone winning the U.S.-China trade war? Kyle Chan on the economic showdown between Washington and Beijing.
Censors without borders
Why are American universities letting foreign governments bully their students? Sarah McLaughlin on the business model behind the pressure.
Governing by subtraction
The U.S. government suspends federal funding for Democratic states. Gen Z protests move across Madagascar. + Voice of America goes silent—while China and Russia keep talking.
New orders
Now, the U.S. administration is investigating a billionaire’s foundation for possible terrorism charges. American defense officials are gathering for a mysterious meeting. + The environmental costs of some environmental solutions.
Smoke you could click on
A U.S.-China deal with undisclosed terms. One investigation in America gets ahead of another. + Does the Chinese Communist Party really control TikTok?
In the dark
The FBI releases surveillance photos as the assassination of Charlie Kirk remains a mystery. Nepal's army negotiates a new government from burned buildings. + Consumer technology and cognitive decline.
Speaking of WWII …
Operation Midway Blitz hits Chicago. Jeffrey Epstein’s estate sends a drawing. + Inside Iran after the strikes.
The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy
How’s Iran’s standoff with Israel and the West affecting everyday Iranians’ feelings about the regime? Trita Parsi on why nationalism is surging while Islamic Republic’s popularity continues to tank.
A ‘known unknown’
Where’s all the money coming into American think tanks from? Ben Freeman on the enormous foreign-government “donations” flowing through Washington, D.C.
