Smuggling

The Rome-Moscow Connection: How Italy and Kyrgyzstan are Keeping Russian Trade Alive

While Europe builds a wall of sanctions against Russia, Italy has found a backdoor, shipping goods through the mountains to Kyrgyzstan.

Troubled Waters: Return of Piracy and Somalia’s Governance

With fishing nets coming up empty and governments in conflict, the line between Somali fishermen and pirates is once again dissolving into the sea.

Submarines in the Atlantic: Europe’s Invisible Drug Frontier

Portuguese authorities intercepted a semi-submersible vessel carrying 1.7 tonnes of cocaine in March 2025, exposing how traffickers adapt to Europe's maritime geography.

The UAE and the RSF: Mercenaries, Minerals, and Might

Part 3 exposes UAE backing, Colombian mercenaries, and gold looting as RSF commit genocide in Sudan’s El Fasher camps.

Chameleon Diplomacy: Qatar and UAE Compete in the Horn

Qatar and the UAE vie for influence in Somaliland, with commentary from Moustafa Ahmad and Dr Andreas Krieg.

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