The Economist explainsWhat the US-Taliban talks might achieveWorries abound, but for now they offer the best chance of progressFeb 22
The Economist explainsConservation in a heating worldScientists are thinking more carefully about what they spend and whereFeb 22
The Economist explainsWhy the lights keep going out in South AfricaThe state power monopoly is beset by problemsFeb 21
The Economist explainsHow dog breeds get recognised in AmericaLast year two more breeds made it to the top table. It is no easy processFeb 13
The Economist explainsWhat is the Monroe Doctrine?A cornerstone of American foreign policy is once more under discussionFeb 12
The Economist explainsDoes screen time affect children?Scientists do not know for sure—but it looks as if there is not much to worry aboutFeb 7
The Economist explainsWhat is extradition?The process for moving fugitives between countries is neither fool-proof nor fastFeb 4
The Economist explainsThe danger of tailings damsTwo of them have collapsed in the past three yearsJan 28
The Economist explainsWhat is the Vienna Convention?China and Canada, squabbling over the arrests of their citizens, have both claimed the other to be in breach of diplomatic rulesJan 23
The Economist explainsWhy are Indian farmers angry?They want higher prices for their produce and unconditional loan waiversJan 21
The Economist explainsWhy are Gulf countries so interested in the Horn of Africa?Regional rivalries are behind a strengthening of both political and economic tiesJan 16