Eight votes
Briefing: Back to business in Washington, D.C.. A mysterious car explosion in Delhi. + Why does the American military budget keep getting bigger?
‘A huge, flying conflict of interest’
Feature: What does Qatar want from America? Nick Cleveland-Stout on Doha’s massive influence operation in Washington.
Information ministry
The weekend despatch: Why is U.S. federal data disappearing while citizen surveillance expands? How is Russia luring workers from Africa and Asia into combat? + What were the V-Discs?
Flashpoints and gathering storms
Briefing: Trapped fighters in Rafah tunnels show the gap between Gaza’s framework ceasefire agreement and ground realities. Typhoon Kalmaegi’s deadly path through the Philippines toward Vietnam. + Why did India just remove almost 7 million voters from the rolls in one state?
An ambiguous referendum
Briefing: A democratic socialist is the mayor of America’s largest city. The U.S. Supreme Court weighs the president’s trade authority. + How did Hindu nationalism take over the world’s biggest democracy?
Peacekeepers before peace
Briefing: The U.S. wants an international force for Gaza. Three military options for Venezuela. + The global corruption behind the war and famine in Sudan.
‘Many things’ in the Caribbean
Briefing: The American president suggests Venezuelan regime change. An earthquake in Afghanistan. + Why are so many foreign powers involving themselves in Africa’s deadliest civil war?
‘It’s a scramble’
Feature: Why are so many foreign powers involving themselves in Africa’s deadliest civil war? Alex de Waal on the plunder of Sudan.
Phase one
The weekend despatch: Is there a pattern in Trump’s framework deals? What do AI models see forming in the South China Sea? + Is disco … undead?
The end of a princedom
Briefing: King Charles removes his brother’s royal titles. Americans blame Trump for the U.S.-government shutdown. + What’s driving the collapse of southern Africa’s postcolonial ruling parties?
