Wrong place, wrong time
Why are authorities, from China to Russia to Iran, imprisoning more and more foreign citizens? Jason Rezaian on the spread of political hostage taking.
Boundary issues
How’s the war in Ukraine changing things between Beijing and Moscow? Eyck Freymann on the challenges of navigating “a strategic mess for the Chinese.”
Long road, sudden turn
What does it mean that former enemies Iran and Saudi Arabia are now cooperating—thanks to China? Steven Cook on appearances and reality in a changing Middle East.
Storm warning
Why is the Chinese government so angry about Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan? James Lee on rhetorical thunder, military build-up, and the potential for armed conflict.
After the scandals
Where does the U.K. stand with Boris Johnson on the way out? Matthias Matthijs on the new political dynamics of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Enemy of my enemy
Why are so many Arab countries suddenly working so openly with Israel? Steven Cook on the persistent threat of Iran, the waning influence of the U.S., and the fate of the Palestinians.
Uncharted
What are the U.S. and more than a dozen other countries doing with a new type of economic agreement in the Indo-Pacific? Wendy Cutler on Biden’s experimental attempt to pick up where Obama left off.
Still standing
Why is North Korea testing a new ballistic missile? Stephan Haggard on the calculations behind Kim Jong-Un’s curious sudden move.
Return of the Europeans
How is the war in Ukraine altering global power? Moisés Naím on the new dynamics of influence, alliance, and grand strategy.
An inconvenient invasion
What does Russia’s war in Ukraine mean for its ally in China? Victor Shih on Beijing’s bad and worse options.
