Too Many Men
A story examining the effects of the significant imbalance in the number of men and women that has developed in both China and India.
Behemoth, bully, thief: how the English language is taking over the planet
Far from being under threat as is sometimes claimed, the English language’s global dominance appears to be stronger than ever. Not only is it on a user acquisition spree that would make any tech startup jealous, but it has also turned into a “net exporter” of words, infiltrating other languages with Anglicisms. This piece examines these and other ways in which it is asserting its position as the first “hypercentral” language.
4chan: The Skeleton Key to the Rise of Trump
A message board allowing users to post anonymously has played a significant role in the recent history of internet culture (think – the birthplace of the meme), the development of new extreme right movements sometimes called the ‘alt-right’, and the series of events that put Trump in the White House.
Through the Outback
A piece interspersed with evocative images, describing the photographer-author’s 12,000-mile, three-month journey through Australia’s Outback.
The Website Providing Abortion Without Borders
A profile of Women on Web, an online only abortion service.
The Meaning of Allahu Akbar
A phrase many have heard, but perhaps fewer understand. The author writes about what it means to her in this lyrical piece.
May 1968: A Month of Revolution Pushed France Into the Modern World
The controversy stoked by the month of riots in France 50 years ago had a seismic impact on French society. This photo essay revisits the events in Paris and around the country in May 1968.
How the CIA Hoodwinked Hollywood
How the CIA seeks to use the film industry to project its desired image.
The Lord and The Patriot
The story of how Chechnya’s ruler Ramzan Kadyrov uses sport to project and consolidate his power. Stunts include organising a mixed martial arts bout for children featuring his own sons, aged between eight and eleven.