Democracy and societyMore than a game In today’s changing world order, sport has become a means of projecting power and diversifying the economy. Saudi Arabia is a prime example By Sebastian Sons
Foreign and security policyIn the eye of the storm The Iran-Israel conflict tests more than alliances. In Iraq, it exposes a fragile state’s unresolved question: who really sets its foreign policy? By Ali Taher Alhammood
Foreign and security policyA new country in the Pacific — Bougainville This small archipelago looks destined to become a symbol of a far larger tectonic shift By Barbara Barkhausen
Economy and ecologyHarder, better, faster, stronger The BRICS summit in Rio shows that the group is more economically significant and politically present than ever before By Alexandra Sitenko
Foreign and security policyAxis of what now? With their deterrence strategy in ruins, Iran’s leaders may face a historic choice: double down, or open up By Marcus Schneider
Democracy and societyEndgame regime change? Many believe that a new regime will automatically fix Iran’s crises. But without civic education and social reform, democracy won’t stand By Kourosh Ziabari
Future of social democracyMan enough Between strength and softness lies a new kind of manhood By Philipp Kauppert
Foreign and security policyWhen distant wars hit close to home From fuel prices to defence gaps, Africa’s reliance on global systems is being tested by far-off crises. Stronger local frameworks are needed By Zikora Ibeh