Flash Points

Themed journeys through our archive.

Mark Rutte gestures with both hands, his mouth open, as he sits behind the wheel of a car as reporters with microphones and video cameras swarm the vehicle, some of them sticking microphones through the open drivers' side window. Rutte wears a dark suit and tie with sunglasses.

Inside the Minds of Global Power Brokers

A collection of our recent profiles, from Mark Rutte to Claudia Sheinbaum.

mcdonalds-war-apocalypse-golden-arches-theory-friedman-conflict-nicolas-ortega-FF_01

Is Peace Still Attainable?

Experts once thought globalization would ensure peace. Now, they’re looking elsewhere.

Lithuanian pianist Darius Mazintas plays music by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, on Mount Kremyanets in Izyum, Kharkiv region.

How Foreign Policy Shapes Music Around the World

From the United States to Ukraine, music has influenced—and been influenced by—international politics.

A photo collage illustration shows Russian President Vladamir Putin walking with a shadow cast before him on a red field. In front of him is the crown of a Russian tsar and a Soviet-era statue with hammer, sickle, and star.

A New Age of Empires

What makes a modern empire, from Russia to cyberspace.

Trump points before U.S. flags.

How the World Can Prepare for Trump 2.0

A look at the guardrails that experts say Washington and its allies should consider erecting ahead of time.

A 19th century engraving depicts the people's uprising in Paris in February 1848.

Are We Living in a Revolutionary Age?

On the nature of revolutions, past and present.

An illustration of Chinese leaders jailed for corruption and members of China's military.

The Art of Propaganda

Are brilliant films and TV shows made in Xi’s China?

A purple crown with jewels is passed between hands.

Is the British Monarchy Losing Its Magic?

What the royal photo controversy reveals about changing global culture.

A farmer dumps waste to block a highway near Vesoul, France, on Jan. 25.

Why Farmers Are Protesting Around the World

From Europe to India, agricultural workers have taken to the streets.

Investors and associates gather in the London office of the Oman Ghana Trust Fund.

Inside the World’s Greatest Scams

And how global con artists get away with them.

A large container ship is shown next to a smaller orange-red ship.

The Roots of the Red Sea Crisis

The Houthi attacks that have rattled global trade are only the latest chapter of the sea’s recent troubles.

Several photographers and videographers swarm a bench of judges as they take their seats at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, the Netherlands. The room is lined with wooden paneling and chandeliers hang above. headphones and translation devices sit on the bench in front of the members of the court.
Confetti falls as Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te speaks to supporters at a victory rally in Taipei.
People sit in chairs before a glowing sign that reads: "WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM | COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE STATE OF THE WORLD"

Does the World Need ‘Davos Men’?

Inside the debate over the impact of the World Economic Forum.

Milei spreads his arms out wide on a balcony, speaking into a microphone.

What’s the Deal With Javier Milei?

Experts weigh in on what he will do to Argentine democracy.

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