All analysis · page 2
The written version of every Theatre of Power video: the argument, the maps and every source.
Middle East10 min read
Before 2026, a fifth of the world's oil passed through one narrow channel off Iran's coast. Since the war began in February, Iran has largely shut it. How did it do it, what can get around it, and can it last?
Asia-Pacific10 min read
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea. Five other claimants contest parts of it, and a 2016 tribunal rejected Beijing's historic-rights claim. Here is who claims what, what the law says and why the shoals off the Philippines keep flaring.
Europe9 min read
Russia is building barracks, depots and headquarters along its 1,340 km border with Finland, NATO's newest frontier. The soldiers to fill them are mostly still in Ukraine.
Europe9 min read
Poland now has more soldiers than any other EU country, by its own count, and its leaders want Europe's largest army. History, geography and the war next door explain why. The bill explains the doubts.
Middle East10 min read
In 1958, Turkey was one of Israel's secret partners. In 2026, Israeli jets struck a Syrian air base 70 km from Turkey's border. How did old allies become rivals, and can they step back?
Africa8 min read
Somaliland's coast lies 260 km from Yemen, where the Houthis fire at Israel from 2,000 km away. Here is why Israel recognised Somaliland, what a base near Berbera could do, and why Somalia, Turkey and the Houthis object.
Global10 min read
A few narrow passages carry a large share of the world's oil and goods. Here is what passes through each one, who controls it, and what has gone wrong since 2021.
Africa9 min read
In 2020, Amhara's Fano militias and Eritrea's army fought for Ethiopia's government against Tigray. In 2026, Fano fights beside Tigray, and Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse each other of starting a war. Here is how the allies became enemies.
