Untouchable
Why has Bitcoin become so popular with dissidents living in dictatorships? Farida Nabourema on what the emerging technology has in common with an old suitcase stuffed with cash.
‘They’re everywhere’
Why are there so many toxic chemicals in food? Rashmi Joglekar on where they come from and what they’re doing to people and the planet.
The crisis of internationalism
The crisis of internationalism. The world economy is in turmoil. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed stunning tariffs on most
‘Unknown territory’
‘Unknown territory.’ On April 24, the German government revised its forecast for GDP growth this year from 0.3 percent
Divergence
Why are younger men increasingly voting for the populist right and younger women, the environmental left? Rosie Campbell on a new gender divide in the Western world.
Imperial equerry
Imperial equerry. On Tuesday, April 29, The Guardian reported that U.S. officials had informed their counterparts in London that
Terminators
What are the risks of “killer robots” to civilians? Lucy Suchman on the automation of modern warfare.
Double government
Double government. Immediately after taking office, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz sent around 160 National Security Council staffers
Addled
Why are people’s cognitive skills declining? Gloria Mark on how consumer technology is making us more error-prone, more stressed, and less productive.
‘Kinetic diplomacy’
‘Kinetic diplomacy.’ During last fall’s election campaign, U.S. President Donald Trump called himself the “candidate of peace”—saying
