The three-body problem
How much does North Korea depend on China and Russia for its future? Rachel Minyoung Lee on nuclear weapons, technology transfers, and a newly emboldened Kim Jong Un.
‘A huge, flying conflict of interest’
Feature: What does Qatar want from America? Nick Cleveland-Stout on Doha’s massive influence operation in Washington.
The way of Kim Jong Un
How is political upheaval in South Korea affecting North Korea? Soo Kim on what’s driving Pyongyang’s increasing hostility toward Seoul.
Obscured by clouds
Why does North Korea keep threatening South Korea and its allies without ever going to war? Michael Breen on theater and reality in one of the most enigmatic places on Earth.
The new atomic age
Why are China and Russia dominating nuclear energy? Ashley Finan on its emerging role in shaping global power.
Chinese chess
What’s Beijing’s strategy for dealing with Donald Trump? Scott Kennedy on where China sees the threats and opportunities from the new U.S. administration.
Waking up alone
Where does the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad leave Iran? Vali Nasr on the swift and unexpected transformation of power in the Middle East.
Mutually assured
Why is the United States building up so much military capability? Adam Tooze on how America’s great-power rivalries with China and Russia are transforming U.S. priorities.
Mind the gap
Why are global greenhouse-gas emissions still rising? Rachel Cleetus on how the use of fossil fuels keeps growing—and outpacing renewable energy.
In Canada, of all places
Why would the Indian government be killing and harassing Sikh activists around the world? Omair Ahmad on assassinations, the rule of law, and Delhi’s shifting global alliances.
