The harbor of Nuuk, Greenland's capital.

China's Arctic ambitions have revived US interest in the region

As part of its global Belt and Road Initiative, China is investing in the Arctic — setting up research stations, investing in mining and energy, and working with Russia to create a new sea route through the Arctic Ocean. It's also stoked concerns from the US.

China's Arctic ambitions have revived US interest in the region
A farmer works in a paddy field under the power lines near Nam Theun 2 dam in Khammouane province in Laos, Oct. 28, 2013.

How a Chinese company took control of an entire nation’s electrical grid

In the past decade or so, China, via its vast network of state-run companies, has brought a development blitz to Laos. 

How a Chinese company took control of an entire nation’s electrical grid
Venice’s Grand Canal was for centuries a thoroughfare for the global shipping trade on the ancient Silk Road.

Italy is caught in the middle of the EU's tussle with its 'systemic rival,' China

Italian populists—skeptical of the value of EU membership—drove Italy to become the first G7 country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Then the pandemic brought generous EU aid, leaving Italy to reassess who its real friends are and how best to help its economy.

Italy is caught in the middle of the EU's tussle with its 'systemic rival,' China
Kazakhs protest what they see as excessive expansion of Chinese influence in Kazakhstan, including new Silk Road investments, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Dec. 2019.

China's new Silk Road traverses Kazakhstan. But some Kazakhs are skeptical of Chinese influence.

The tradeoffs of China's investment in Kazakhstan require Kazakhs — most of whom are Muslim — to reckon with the persecution of Muslim minorities just across their border.

China's new Silk Road traverses Kazakhstan. But some Kazakhs are skeptical of Chinese influence.
a young Chinese man wears yellow headphones in front of a computer

Chinese internet users turn to the blockchain to fight against government censorship

Thanks to blockchain, internet users have achieved some victories in the fight against China’s strict internet censorship.

Chinese internet users turn to the blockchain to fight against government censorship
Inmates

A US-style drug war brings a terrible cost: Thai prisons packed full of women

But drug policy liberalizers are convinced that in coming years, the drug war will recede and a more merciful approach will take its place.

A US-style drug war brings a terrible cost: Thai prisons packed full of women
An empoyee checks the separation process of blood donations at the Interregional Transfusion CRS in Bern, Switzerland, June 15, 2017. Blood shortages occur often in the US.

How game theory could help ensure you will get blood when you need it

These researchers who study game theory and supply chains believe that game theory can be a powerful tool in assisting decision-makers in assessing and addressing critical blood shortages.

How game theory could help ensure you will get blood when you need it
philippine army

In fighting ISIS, the Philippines gets tangled in US-China tensions

Both the US and China sent aid to the Philippines to quell its Islamist insurgency. Both countries want to gain influence over the Philippine military. If China succeeds, it will hinder the US’ ability to project power in the Asia Pacific.

In fighting ISIS, the Philippines gets tangled in US-China tensions
Women leaders increase the peace

Feminist foreign policies are gaining popularity, and increasing the peace

Feminist foreign policies are spreading as world leaders recognize the critical role women play in ensuring peace and security.

Feminist foreign policies are gaining popularity, and increasing the peace
Libya ISIS US bombing Sirte

The US is now bombing ISIS in Libya

A senior administration official said Monday that US action would be limited to strikes and information sharing, confirming that American troops would not take part in any ground operation.

The US is now bombing ISIS in Libya

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