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"Peking Opera" bears little resemblance to the works of Verdi and Wagner. Though this traditional Chinese art form does feature music and singing, it combines them with dance, acrobatics, and mime. As you can see, it is a very lively and colorful performance, which draws from deep within the country's myths and folklore – and increasingly elements of contemporary life as well.
Israel And The West: The Crisis Is Real
Israel's judicial reforms by its far-right government have been met by widespread protests. Now the country risks breaking long-formed bonds with key allies in the West.
Urban Mining: How Sustainable Cities Are Recycling Buildings Down To The Bone
As material costs skyrocket, an old practice is becoming popular again: reusing building materials. In Germany, the first projects are already underway – and so far, results are promising as a model for sustainable cities.
How A 1930s Soviet Famine Targeted Ukraine — And Why It Matters More Than Ever
Ukraine and countries around the world recognize the Holodomor, the famine which killed millions of Ukrainians in the early 1930s, as a genocide caused by Soviet authorities. But Russia still refuses to admit responsibility. A new study uses agricultural records and mathematical modeling to show that the famine clearly targeted Ukrainians.
How Argentina Has Become China's Foothold In Latin America
China has become one of Argentina's most important trading partners and is increasing its military bases in the country. As China seeks to challenge the liberal world order, Argentina risks rifts with other key allies.
Will China Invade Taiwan? Volkswagen's €180 Billion Bet Says 'No'
German automobile giant Volkswagen will invest billions in China to manufacture electric vehicles. It has deemed the risk of China invading Taiwan "unlikely," a peek into the calculations that private-sector conglomerates make, just like state actors.
Russian "Hybrid War"? Italy Says Wagner Group Is Using Migrant Trafficking To Divide The West
The Italian Defense minister has blamed an uptick in illegal immigrant arrivals in Italy on the Russian mercenary group, which has a strong presence in Africa, with the risk that it could divide the Western alliance. Wagner chief Prigozhin is having none of it.
Ratatouille Was A Documentary: A French Philosopher Dives Into The Paris Garbage Crisis
The ongoing strike of garbage collectors in France shows us why we try so hard to hide how much garbage we throw out. As trash piles up in the streets, philosopher Gaspard Koenig reminds us that it wouldn't be so hard to recycle and compost more of it.
Red Flags, Blue Flags: Why The Georgia Uprising Makes Moscow So Nervous
Protesters in Georgia blocked the adoption of a Russian-inspired "foreign agents" law, leading to threats from the Kremlin. Writing for La Stampa, Georgia-born political scientist Nona Mikhelidze explains why the events put Moscow on edge.
How SVB Is Different Than Lehman — And Not Different Enough
The fall of Silicon Valley Bank revives memories of Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy. The two situations have some fundamental differences, but there is enough in common that the risks that SVB could spark a new global financial crisis is very real.
AUKUS: Bold Deterrent Or Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Of A Future War With China?
AUKUS, the security pact between the US, the UK, and Australia, is beginning to take shape. Its aim is to deter China, but it risks drawing the Indo-Pacific region into a military conflict.
First We'll Take Kyiv: Inside Putin's Original Plans To Occupy Ukraine
If Russia's invasion of Ukraine hadn't gone so badly, the Kremlin had two possible plans for governing the country under the Russian flag.
Milan Forced To Stop Registering Babies Of Same-Sex Couples
Milan will now only allow the registration of biological parents. The city had been one of the few in Italy to recognize same-sex parents, but it was overruled by the country's conservative government.
The True Limits Of The Saudi-Iranian Deal Begin In Tehran
Iran and Saudi Arabia have announced they will restore diplomatic relations. The news may have proved startling — especially China's role — but is unlikely to dispel long-standing distrust between two regional rivals.
Meet The "Patchers," Burkina Faso's Mobile Tailors Cutting Corners On-The-Go
Seven days a week, the "patchers" of Burkina Faso roam the streets of the country's capital, looking out for any clothes that might need mending.