Energy
Iran’s Pact With China Is Bad News for the West
Tehran’s new strategic partnership with Beijing will give the Chinese a strategic foothold and strengthen Iran’s economy and regional clout.
U.S. Troops Really Are in Syria to Protect the Oil—for the Kurds
It’s the only way to get Trump to keep troops on the ground.
After Decades of Wrong Predictions, Oil May Finally Be Peaking
Thanks to the pandemic, demand is flattening faster than expected. In turn, the energy economy could transform sooner rather than later.
Trump’s China Trade Deal Is as Dead as Can Be
His much-touted trade victory has crashed and burned with the coronavirus pandemic.
Albertan Officials Are Using Orwellian Methods to Protect Oil and Gas
As its energy industry comes under threat, the oil-rich province is taking aim at environmental activists.
Oil Price Crash Revives Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaigns
Climate activists say this is the moment for colleges and major institutions to dump their investments.
The 2020 Oil Crash’s Unlikely Winner: Saudi Arabia
It’s a year of carnage for oil nations. But at least one will emerge from the pandemic both economically and geopolitically stronger.
Why Gulf States Are Backtracking on India
Islamophobia is undoing years of New Delhi’s diplomatic gains in the Middle East.
U.S. Naval Standoff With China Fails to Reassure Regional Allies
The tense encounter around a Malaysian drillship drew in five navies.
The Coronavirus Oil Shock Is Just Getting Started
The pandemic is causing crisis for energy-producing governments around the world—and could change the global economy forever.
Galleries
The Week in World Photos
Global protests against government-imposed lockdowns, gang violence in El Salvador, and hat tips to medical staff.
The Week in World Photos
A prayerful start to Ramadan, medical workers on the front lines of a pandemic, and the annual Lyrids meteor shower.
In the Magazine
In the Magazine
How to Save Global Capitalism From Itself
Decentralizing decision-making can help left-behind regions get back on track.
Britain’s Post-Brexit Identity Crisis
Boris Johnson has contradictory ideas for his country’s future—and no clear paths for getting there.
The Ugly End of Chimerica
The coronavirus pandemic has turned a conscious uncoupling into a messy breakup.
The 3 Most Polarizing Words in India
“Jai Shri Ram” was meant to be a celebration of a Hindu deity. But the phrase is turning into hate speech—and a dog whistle for attacks on Muslims.