Shadow Economy
BUSINESS
A Boost to North Korea’s Military Strategy
North Korea's advancements in hypersonic missile technology mark a significant escalation in the proliferation of advanced weaponry to state and non-state actors globally.
BUSINESS
The Fall of Assad: A New Era for Syria’s Drug Trade
The fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 marked the end of Syria's Captagon trade, a major source of regime revenue, creating both challenges for the country's economic recovery and opportunities for regional stability.
Popular
Gen Z Picks Up a Needle: Sewing’s Unlikely Digital-Age Revival
As sewing workshops filled up and repair videos accumulated millions of views on TikTok in late 2025, younger people began turning to analog craft in growing numbers, citing everything from screen fatigue to fast fashion guilt.
Too Many Captains, Too Few Ships: Britain’s New Right
The digital hype of millions of views on X could not mask the lack of a real foundation as competing leaders fought for control over a fragile Britain’s New Right.
Ireland’s Basic Income for Artists Becomes Permanent
As Ireland confirmed in February 2026 that its Basic Income for the Arts scheme would become permanent, creative work moved closer to public infrastructure than private risk.
How Rob Jetten Reclaimed the Dutch Centre
After a season of political chaos, the Netherlands' youngest premier has shown that the centre can hold when it offers real paths forward.
Rats Take Selfies: What One Art Project Says About Life Online
French artist Lignier trains rats to take photos, revealing how reward systems mirror social media conditioning and online performance
