Global News Digest

World

The Economist

Putin’s war in Ukraine may cost him control of the south Caucasus

Russia’s leverage in the South Caucasus is eroding as the unresolved Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict weakens its influence, exacerbated by Putin’s draining war in Ukraine.

The Economist

The 19th century is a terrible guide to modern statecraft

Dividing global power among Trump, Xi, and Putin creates an unstable, perilous order. Relying on 19th-century models for such modern statecraft is a fatal error.

The Economist

Putin’s radioactive chokehold on the world

Russia leverages its dominance in nuclear fuel and technology to exert global influence, creating a radioactive chokehold on the international market.

The Economist

How South Africa could harness Donald Trump’s wrath

South Africa can leverage US pressure to counter false “white genocide” narratives, potentially turning external scrutiny into beneficial domestic outcomes.

The Economist

The War Room newsletter: The daddy of all summits

The War Room newsletter highlights "The daddy of all summits" as the ultimate gathering, emphasizing its significance and prestige within the community.

The Economist

Sex work in the gig economy

Sweden plans to ban OnlyFans content, reflecting growing legal distinctions within the gig economy's sex work sector. This move highlights the complex regulatory challenges posed by digital platforms.

The Economist

Feckless Europe accepts Trump’s Lone Ranger diplomacy

Europe’s meek acceptance of Trump’s unilateral approach signals its inaction, effectively welcoming his "vigilante justice" and solo diplomacy.

The Economist

Can men and women be just friends?

Gendered platonic friendships are possible but complex, often challenged by societal norms and unspoken romantic or sexual tensions.

The Economist

In Trumpworld, toppling rulers is taboo

Donald Trump prefers transactional diplomacy over toppling foreign governments, viewing regime change as taboo within his political approach.

The Economist

The War Room newsletter: Why Israel attacked Iran—and what comes next

This War Room briefing analyzes the strategic rationale behind Israel’s recent strike on Iran and examines the potential geopolitical ramifications and future implications of the conflict.

The Economist

The West has stopped losing its religion

Contrary to secularization trends, Christianity in the West is stabilizing and growing among younger demographics, halting its previous decline.

The Economist

Taiwan thinks the unthinkable: resisting China without America

Taiwan faces a strategic dilemma, questioning its defense posture if the original plan relied solely on delaying China until U.S. forces arrived.

The Economist

The War Room newsletter: Britain’s defence goals are admirably absurd

The Economist

To earn American help, allies are told to elect nationalists

Allies urge nationalist elections to secure U.S. support, as MAGA-aligned factions court groups with histories of destabilizing Europe.

The Economist

Vladimir Putin’s sickening statistic: 1m Russian casualties in Ukraine

Russia reports 1 million casualties in Ukraine, using financial compensation to soothe grieving families.

The Economist

The War Room newsletter: How Ukraine humbled Putin (again)

The War Room newsletter details how Ukraine’s recent successes have further humbled Putin, alongside providing ongoing updates on the conflict.

The Economist

The Uber of the underworld

Novice criminals are increasingly using ready-made hacking kits, creating a gig economy for cybercrime.

The Economist

The War Room newsletter: Explore our “Archive 1945” project

The War Room newsletter invites readers to explore the “Archive 1945” project, offering a deep dive into this significant historical initiative.

The Economist

Donald Trump steals Xi Jinping’s favourite foreign policy

Trump mocks Beijing’s claim that US meddling causes Middle East chaos, snapping “Snap!” in response to China’s attribution of regional instability to American intervention.

The Economist

Can China jam your GPS?

China’s substantial investment in its BeiDou network provides Beijing with the capability to potentially disrupt or gain an advantage over GPS signals.