Giacomo Gambineri
Affairs
The stories you should be paying attention to – and the ones you might have missed.
Clock and dagger
As the war in Ukraine rumbles on, Vladimir Putin, a former KGB officer, is relying on Russia’s spy network to prevent his downfall.
A common-sense manifesto
After the upheavals of the past few years, the world of business is in urgent need of a change in culture. Here are some tips to nudge it in the right direction.
Belgium: state of the nation
With its liberal and energetic approach to diplomacy, and a growing influence in art and sport, Belgium has plenty to offer on the world stage.
Canada: state of the nation
From a thriving economy to potent soft-power credentials, we unpack what keeps Canada on the up.
Beyond a joke
In an era where comedy walks a tightrope between relevance and risk, satirists worldwide navigate the delicate balance of wielding humour as political weapon while avoiding cancellation or worse.
World in reach
Our annual survey of the nations that have mastered the gentle art of making friends and influencing people.
Lebanon: state of the nation
With a cosmopolitan capital, picturesque countryside and improving – albeit fluctuating – security, Lebanon is on the up.
Kenya: state of the nation
This east African anchor boasts world-famous writers and athletes but corruption and flawed infrastructure hold it back.
Netherlands: state of the nation
In our animated series we assess how the Dutch are performing on the world stage as well as at home.
