Affairs
Recognising Palestinian statehood is largely symbolic – but symbols are powerful
Over the past few days, the leaders of France, Canada and the UK have all announced their intention to recognise Palestine as a state at the next UN General Assembly (Unga) in September. All…


Latest
Abidjan is one of Africa’s most dynamic cities. But can it swerve political instability?
They say anything can grow in Côte d’Ivoire – including big ideas. But some fear political uncertainty will stifle its development.

How Ukranian startup Himera built a war-ready radio during a blackout
Growing out of co-founder Misha Rudominski’s previous projects, the defence-tech company develops electronic warfare-resistant walkie-talkies while the country fights to preserve its sovereignty.

Sporting an ankle monitor, Bolsonaro seems a spent force as Trump’s tariff threats backfire
Jair Bolsonaro cuts a forlorn figure these days. Until recently, Brazil’s hard-right former president was able to pack arenas and inspire crowds to hit the streets. His rallies would shut down the country’s biggest…

Urban regeneration can save our cities – all it takes is fresh perspective
As cities densify and space grows scarce, a quiet revolution is transforming forgotten corners into new opportunities.

Opinion
Is the US ready for a presidential library with a gift shop bigger than its reading room?
6 min read

My life as a park bench
Have you heard? You humans are rethinking the very function that we benches have performed so honourably for centuries. It’s time to take a stand.

The man paid to worry about the future shares predictions for France, the Trump administration and an EU military shopping spree
AXA Group’s chief economist, Gilles Moëc, explains how insurers have to plan for every eventuality and why he’s quietly hopeful about Europe.

The Seine’s reopening to swimmers marks a watershed moment for Paris’s civic renewal
For the first time in more than a century, Parisians have been allowed to swim in the Seine. Three outdoor bathing areas opened to the public this weekend amid a searing heatwave, though authorities…

What we gain and lose with the rise of sky gardens
Although green spaces are always a welcome addition to urban landscapes, vertical lawns can never replace real parks in the heart of cities.

All eyes are on Corsica, as a vote on its greater autonomy – or even full independence – from Paris approaches
As a vote on the issue of autonomy in Corsica approaches, some are demanding that self-ruling local powers be written into the island territory’s constitution.
