09
Jun
Red sea
Why is China building so many ships? Brian Hart on its plan to turn overwhelming commercial advantage into military power.
9 min read
Latest
06
Jun
Midnight sun
Is anyone actually winning in Ukraine? Why do so many ex-Soviet kleptocrats live in London? + Music from Yussef Dayes. What’s drill rap—and what happens when you mix it with American jazz? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIII.
17 min read
04
Jun
Only connect
Why are Americans becoming so lonely? Milena Batanova on a problem U.S. officials have called an “epidemic.”
11 min read
02
Jun
Connections
What does financial repression in autocracies have to do with financial freedom in democracies? Justin Callais on human flourishing in the modern world.
12 min read
30
May
House money
Why are countries around the world developing virtual legal tenders? Roger Huang on the origins, implementation, and implications of central bank digital currencies.
8 min read
28
May
Untouchable
Why has Bitcoin become so popular with dissidents living in dictatorships? Farida Nabourema on what the emerging technology has in common with an old suitcase stuffed with cash.
11 min read
27
May
‘Immortal Hands’
‘Immortal Hands.’ Stereolab has come out of hibernation with their first album in 15 years, Instant Holograms on Metal Film,
26
May
Cash grab
What is financial repression? Félix Maradiaga on how autocratic regimes are using the global banking system, international law, and new technologies in an old struggle to suppress dissent and hold power.
12 min read
26
May
Gathering storm
Gathering storm. Since Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te (also known as William Lai) took office one year ago this week,
1 min read
25
May
‘Waxcap’
‘Waxcap.’ A track from one of the most impressive albums of electronic music this year, by the London producer Felix