Politics

Government, policy, institutions, and political power dynamics.

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Briefing: Revellers parade giant phalluses at Japan’s fertility festival

Strategic angle: Crowds pack Kawasaki for Kanamara Matsuri, Japan’s colourful fertility festival using phallic shrines to celebrate life and challenge sex taboos.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Poll: Here’s what MAHA actually believes

Strategic angle: A recent poll reveals the beliefs and opinions of MAHA residents.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Shingles can hit younger than you think. The vaccine can prevent excruciating pain

Strategic angle: A reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, the illness can be miserable. Here's what to know about early warning signs, long-term symptoms and some surprising news about the vaccine.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: These blind students say their college blocked their education. A new rule could help

Strategic angle: Higher education is especially reliant on computers and phones, but accessibility for people with disabilities has often been forgotten. A new federal rule could change that.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Hungarian elections, academia’s greatest chancer, and Easter-inspired satire

Strategic angle: Ahead of the Hungarian elections, the satirical "Two-Tailed Dog Party" promises free beer while demanding anti-corruption measures.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Morning news brief

Strategic angle: President Trump issues ultimatum to Iran while Artemis II crew prepares for lunar mission.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Inside Jim Jordan’s quiet preparations for a GOP leadership void

Strategic angle: Jim Jordan is positioning himself for a potential leadership role amid GOP uncertainties.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Is Dubai the safe harbour investors are looking for?

Strategic angle: Business leaders say the emirate's policy clarity and execution record make it a strong bet in volatile markets.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: 'Hit by both sides': US war on Iran threatens Iraq's 'careful strategy of multi-alignment'

Strategic angle: Catherine Viette discusses the implications of US-Iran tensions on Iraq's diplomatic strategy with Dr. Renad Mansour from Chatham House.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Iran, US receive plan to end hostilities, immediate ceasefire, source says - Reuters

Strategic angle: Iran, US receive plan to end hostilities, immediate ceasefire, source says Reuters

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Russians living in exile cope with grief far from home

Strategic angle: Since the start of the war against Ukraine, many Russians living in exile have been unable to return home for security reasons.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

India’s 59-Year Maoist Insurgency Collapses

Strategic angle: The government appears to have met its March 31, 2026, deadline for ending the Maoist insurgency. But it is too early to celebrate.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: €500 billion-worth European data economy troubles continue

Strategic angle: As AI grabs the spotlight, Europe’s data economy still powers billions in value, yet fragmented GDPR enforcement continues to hold innovators back.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Inside the weird world of octopus sex as scientists find sensory arm that can deposit sperm

Strategic angle: Male octopuses can fertilise a mate, even if they cannot see their sexual partner.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Could fusion energy save Europe from the energy crisis?

Strategic angle: Proxima Fusion and other startups are exploring stellarators as a potential solution.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: Inside Armenia’s underground wellbeing retreat where asthma patients seek relief

Strategic angle: Once state-funded, the centre now faces possible closure after the government withdrew support, saying the treatment lacks scientific evidence.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: ‘Arrogant, resilient, optimistic’: The secret traits for a successful entrepreneur?

Strategic angle: Lieferando’s founder Christoph Gerber shares insights on the essential traits for entrepreneurial success.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: South Korea's president regrets 'reckless' drones sent into the North

Strategic angle: President Lee Jae Myung expresses regret over the government's involvement in drone incidents with North Korea.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

Briefing: A music festival booked Kanye West, now known as Ye, and lost major sponsors

Strategic angle: The rapper Ye's controversial history leads to significant sponsorship losses for the Wireless Festival.

Editorial Staff Apr 6

Politics

How one factory in China learned to live with Trump, tariffs and turmoil - Reuters

Strategic angle: How one factory in China learned to live with Trump, tariffs and turmoil Reuters

Editorial Staff Apr 6