Roadmovie in the new China

High above the Tian Shan mountains, on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China, Wei begins to talk about his life. He is a Chinese man from Beijing, in his late sixties. He lived… Continue reading

Xi’s pet city is working

It is not the best day to visit China’s newest miracle. Thick, milky veils hang over the marshes south of Beijing. In the fog, the old China slips by. Ugly residential towers cluster… Continue reading

Bitcoin Beach in El Salvador

It is hot at the Michanti surf hotel in El Zonte. A young French couple of surfers are taking photos by the pool. Bob Marley plays from the speakers. Bitcoin millionaire Wayne Gregori… Continue reading

The rise of Nayib Bukele

In an alley in Valle del Sol, a half-naked soldier is hanging a shirt on a clothesline. A small barracks sits in the slum, among acacia trees and mango trees. Patrols with machine… Continue reading

Saudi Critics and the new Saudi Arabia

Dania (28) is not a typical Saudi. As a teenager, she felt that something was off about the conservative story of Islam she was taught at school. She didn’t know exactly why she… Continue reading

“No more human errors”: Saudi’s big AI bet

The old bazaar in Riyadh seems to belong to another era. Women in black niqabs glide between the stalls, distinguishable from one another only by height and build. Vendors sell spices, eau de… Continue reading

Inside the Saudi Arabia of MBS

“Don’t let yourself be taken in,” warns Kamille Al Saud. “Everything looks flashy and dazzling, but it’s an illusion. We don’t have real freedom in this country.” It is a stiflingly hot evening… Continue reading

The dark side of Danish colonialism

nger Platou (69) remained silent for decades. She always knew that something terrible had happened in her youth. “It was as if a shadow hung over everything, but I couldn’t talk to anyone… Continue reading

Trump’s man in Greenland

In January, Greenlandic bricklayer Jorgen Boassen (61) received a text message from an American number. “This is Charlie Kirk. Can we talk?” Kirk is a right-wing provocateur and Trump ally, known for internet… Continue reading

Greenland, not for the taking

Manumina Jensen points to a sea eagle circling above us. “Inuit believe that eagles bring good luck,” she says. “Especially when they come close.” The solitary bird doesn’t seem to be coming any… Continue reading