Presidential election tests strength of Zambian democracy
Incumbent Hakainde Hichilema has been accused of drift towards authoritarianism
Switzerland debates the meaning of neutrality
Swiss voters will have their say in a referendum on September 27th
China’s clean-energy gamble is paying off
As disruption in Strait of Hormuz rattles energy markets, Beijing’s long push towards electrification is cushioning the impact and reshaping global power
Taiwan prepares for war, but China has other options
‘Blockade by fire’ could cut off supplies to the island while minimising disruption to others
What’s behind the Mecca defence agreement?
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have been at pains to say their alliance is not necessarily directed against Iran or Israel
Choir gives Beijing’s retirees a reason to get up
As China’s population ages and traditional support networks weaken, community choirs help retirees stay connected
Europe stepping up back-channel talks with Russia as war in Ukraine gets nastier
Germany, France and Britain have been increasingly active as a formation in the search for a diplomatic resolution of the war
Sighting of Aung San Suu Kyi comes amid diplomatic offensive by Myanmar regime
President Min Aung Hliang has visited China and India and wants Asean to lift suspension of Myanmar’s membership rights
Iran has time on its side – for now
Donald Trump’s incentive to compromise over conflict is strongest over the next few weeks, but that changes as US midterms move closer
Ceuta crisis lays bare EU divisions
Global Briefing: Italy and Denmark cite EU policies ‘that can serve as pull factors’ for migrants, Spain laments petty politics and lack of EU solidarity
Hong Kong’s revival contrasts with crackdown on last remaining independent bookshops
As the financial hub regains confidence, police action against small booksellers highlights continuing limits on dissent
Cyprus’s new push for settlement is driven by an opportunity and a threat
Most serious diplomatic effort in nearly a decade on island that has been divided since 1974
The murky process of selecting the next UN secretary general is coming to a head
Global Briefing: Seven candidates are in the running to succeed António Guterres
Poland’s political landscape altered by split in main opposition party
Prime minister Donald Tusk relishes Law and Justice Party’s problems in advance of next year’s general election
India protests: How the ‘Cockroach’ movement forced Modi into retreat
Student protests forced the resignation of India's education minister after exam scandal