What Is NATO?
NATO is a military alliance of 32 countries built on the promise that an attack on one is an attack on all. Here is its purpose, what…
Liam Chen
389 reading now
World
International affairs, diplomacy, conflict and the forces shaping the global order.
400 stories
British Army Recruitment Crisis: Why the Force Has Shrunk to 73,000 Troops
The British Army has fallen to 73,000 regular soldiers—its smallest size since the Napoleonic Wars—despite a government target of 82,000…
Sarah Mitchell
444 reading now
The Sixth Mass Extinction: One Million Species at Risk of Disappearing
Scientists warn we are in the early stages of Earth's sixth mass extinction, with species disappearing at 100-1,000 times the natural rate…
Liam Chen
376 reading now
The Plastic Pollution Crisis: 400 Million Tonnes a Year and Rising
Global plastic production has doubled since 2000 to over 400 million tonnes annually, and less than 10% is recycled. Plastic waste is…
Liam Chen
419 reading now
UK Defence Spending Hits 2.3% of GDP: Meeting NATO Target But Facing Capability Gaps
Britain's defence budget reached £57.8 billion in 2024-25, exceeding NATO's 2% GDP target. Yet equipment delays, recruitment shortfalls…
Liam Chen
430 reading now
Climate Tipping Points: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How Close We Are
Climate tipping points are thresholds beyond which Earth systems undergo rapid, irreversible change. Scientists have identified at least 16…
Liam Chen
425 reading now
What Is a Developing Country?
A developing country is one with a lower level of economic development and living standards relative to wealthier nations. Here is how the…
Liam Chen
473 reading now
What Is the World Bank?
The World Bank is an international institution that lends money and expertise to developing countries to reduce poverty. Here is what it…
Liam Chen
399 reading now
Recession vs Depression: What's the Difference?
A recession is a significant, broad decline in economic activity; a depression is a far deeper and longer one. Here is how economists tell…
Liam Chen
370 reading now