The way of Kim Jong Un
How is political upheaval in South Korea affecting North Korea? Soo Kim on what’s driving Pyongyang’s increasing hostility toward Seoul.
The tower goes dark
An agreement on Gaza’s first peace phase after two years of war. A new set of American sanctions cut Serbia’s fuel supply. + U.S. air-traffic controllers are working 60-hour weeks without pay—and airports are going dark.
Keys to the fortress
A Nobel in chemistry for structures that pull water from desert air. A former FBI chief faces Trump’s Justice Department in court. + Red Hat’s consulting breach—800 clients exposed through a trusted partner.
Digital fentanyl
The U.S. treasury targets the Sinaloa cartel’s chemical suppliers. A hardline conservative is Japan’s first woman PM. + How TikTok turns casual scrollers into compulsive users—by design.
The 24-hour government
France’s government collapses in less than a day. Georgia’s opposition tries storming the presidential palace. &c. + When political fragmentation makes even forming a cabinet impossible.
Censors without borders
Why are American universities letting foreign governments bully their students? Sarah McLaughlin on the business model behind the pressure.
‘Ready for a lasting peace’
The Czech Republic turns away from Ukraine. The Church of England names its first woman archbishop. + Out now—the weekend despatch.
Terms of art
A social app for making anyone do anything. Easy money with the House of Saud. &c. | The despatch, Week XL.
Governing by subtraction
The U.S. government suspends federal funding for Democratic states. Gen Z protests move across Madagascar. + Voice of America goes silent—while China and Russia keep talking.
Press and hold the power button
The American government shuts down. The Pope questions the Pentagon. + Leaked documents about preventing leaks—and impending polygraphs for thousands at the U.S. Defense Department.
