Politics

Government, policy, institutions, and political power dynamics.

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Briefing: And the Oscar goes to — wait, why is it called an Oscar?

Strategic angle: The Academy Awards officially adopted the 'Oscars' nickname in 1939. But who is Oscar, and who started calling them that? We may never know.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: US stocks lose ground as war with Iran keeps pressure on oil prices

Strategic angle: US stocks are affected by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, leading to rising oil prices.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

The race for Paris: How the capital’s housing crisis could determine the city’s next mayor

With France preparing to vote in the first round of the municipal elections on Sunday, Paris has become a battleground between left- and right-wing forces fighting to shape the capital’s future.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Macron says no 'respite' for Russia despite war in the Middle East

Strategic angle: Emmanuel Macron vows to maintain pressure on Russia amid rising oil prices and US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic

Strategic angle: With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Thousands of leaflets dropped over Beirut urge disarming Hezbollah

Strategic angle: Residents in Beirut reported thousands of leaflets dropped over several neighborhoods, calling on Lebanese people to remove the weapons of Hezbollah.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: As 800,000 flee, half of Lebanon lives in war zones without markets, supplies or healthcare

Strategic angle: Genie Godula welcomes Hassan Al-Sayed from Solidarités International, discussing the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Poland’s PM Tusk defies president’s veto over €43.7 billion EU defence loan

Strategic angle: A power struggle erupted in Poland as Premier Donald Tusk insisted on accessing EU defence funds despite President Nawrocki’s veto.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Republic of the Congo elections: A foregone conclusion?

Strategic angle: Voters in the Republic of the Congo (Brazaville) go to the polls this Sunday to elect their next leader, with predictions favoring President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Madagascar: Construction costs surge 50% after cyclone Gezani

Strategic angle: Recovery efforts in Madagascar face escalating costs following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gezani.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Why US easing of oil sanctions comes at perfect time for Russia

Strategic angle: The US has further eased sanctions on Russian oil in an attempt to bring soaring energy prices down, providing a significant boost to the Kremlin.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Thousands displaced by clashes in South Sudan town

Strategic angle: Clashes in Akobo have left hundreds of thousands without humanitarian aid.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Zelensky in Paris: Macron vows to keep support for Ukraine

Strategic angle: French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirms commitment to Ukraine amidst changing international sanctions.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: France returns sacred 'talking drum' looted during colonial rule to Ivory Coast

Strategic angle: The move forms part of a broader process of returning cultural artefacts to African countries that started in 2017.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Zelenskyy meets Macron as Iran war overshadows Ukraine

Strategic angle: The Ukrainian president is in Paris for talks with one of Kyiv's staunchest allies amidst the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Who is Pakistan supporting in Iran war?

Strategic angle: Islamabad has so far presented itself as a 'neutral' party in the conflict, condemning the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as well as castigating Tehran for its attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: MaiaSpace: Europe steps up in the race for reusable rockets

Strategic angle: French start-up Maiaspace is developing Europe's first reusable mini-launcher, challenging American dominance in the space sector.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Does legislative history have a judicial future?

Strategic angle: An analysis of the court’s approach to legislative history in judicial decisions.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Seagrass is a secret weapon against climate change. Can eco-moorings protect it from boat anchors?

Strategic angle: Anchors are damaging Posidonia seagrass, a key Mediterranean habitat that stores carbon, filters seawater and supports marine life.

editorial-staff Mar 13

Politics

Briefing: Giant robots battle it out in Detroit's Robowar

Strategic angle: Fighting robots is a cultural fantasy going back at least to Richard Matheson's 1956 story 'Steel.' One Detroit impresario is now bringing the idea to the stage — and real audiences.

editorial-staff Mar 13