The Economist
Also: A tour of Brazil’s wildly polarised politics
A man stands on a planet representing China, staring at a blazing, dying star coloured like the U.S.
Chaguan
China thinks America is declining but still uniquely dangerous
It sees Donald Trump as both symptom and accelerant of the decline
Judite Rocha poses for a photograph among a plantation of prickly pear cacti in the yard of her home in the village of Queimada do Anjico, located in the rural area of Guaribas
North and south
A tour of Brazil’s wildly polarised politics
Lula’s voters and Bolsonaro’s voters don’t agree on much. But they all hate the corruption that plagues Brazil
BJP supporters celebrate lead in Assam and West Bengal state elections, New Delhi, India - 04 May 2026
Saffron march
Narendra Modi has extended his grip on India
India’s ruling party scores a historic victory in West Bengal—but should beware voters’ unhappiness with incumbents 
The MAEXTRO S800 car is on display during at the Beijing International Auto Exhibiti on April 24, 2026 in Beijing, China.
Red lights
Global carmakers desperately want to be more Chinese
But partnering with local companies carries big risks
Scene from Secret Service showing Gemma Arterton
Back Story
Turn on, tune in, trust no one: the paranoid style captures TV
Conspiracy thrillers are the favourite genre of a distrustful age