Affairs
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Acid test
Portugal's university hazing tradition, praxe, blends gothic pageantry with troubling ritual. Behind the capes and choral singing lies a centuries-old initiation culture carrying genuine psychological — and sometimes fatal — consequences.
Defence
New subs for Taiwan, the Egyptian navy’s spending spree, and Greece and North Macedonia make up.
Desert storm
The Israeli Defense Forces base of Ir Habahadim is at the heart of the government’s vision to settle and develop the Negev desert – but it’s a plan that’s also controversial.
Eastern promise
In our new feature we’re heading to one nation per month to look at the ideas, practices and customs that are worth exporting. First up, Japan – policymakers take note.
Tucson, USA
In the Arizona desert, Tucson has an arid climate but a bountiful creative scene – and both are drawing in eager visitors.
Mérida, Mexico
The Yucatán capital is having a moment in the sun as a new wave of artists, architects and restaurateurs put down roots.
Cities
Athens’ outgoing mayor shares advice for his successor and Montréal’s shops start talking the talk.
Politics
A cabinet reshuffle in Peru and how environmentalism could shake up the EU elections.
Waiting game
Surely Vladimir Putin’s grip on power won’t last forever? We meet the activists preparing for Russia’s future.
Making tracks
Two German activists are touring Europe's classrooms, championing a proposal to hand every 18-year-old a free Interrail pass — betting that shared rail journeys can mend a fractured continent.
