They are touted as our way out of climate chaos and essential for making the things we use, from mobile phones to electric vehicles. Vanessa Baird sets out to investigate critical minerals – and the rush to get them.

Britain’s general election saw the rightwing Conservatives swept out – and a huge majority for Labour. But the shallowness of the victorious party’s support points to an existential threat to dominant parties across the world, argues Conrad Landin.

Can South Africa ever fully shake off the shackles of apartheid? Conrad Landin asks whether the country’s historic genocide case against Israel could lead to a reckoning at home.

Bethany Rielly explores the chilling impact of the Spanish state’s intrusive surveillance tactics against Catalan civil society. Is there a chance of justice?

Confronting the impact of empire is not about getting stuck in the past, writes Amy Hall. It’s vital to how we build a better future.

As the cost of living crisis becomes entrenched, Nick Dowson examines the scene of the crime, tracks down the culprits and proposes a route to resolution.

Profile by Richard Swift

An artist from Damascus has painted a range of world leaders – all depicted as displaced or disenfranchised people in a moment of despair. Amy Hall reports

Alessio Perrone writes how Islamophobia is driving a wedge between love and secular values.

Highlights from the 2026 Toronto Festival.

A new study of transgender experiences finds both diversity and common ground. By Jennie Kermode.

Uli Costa e Sandália de Prata; Evil Plan.

Mariam Barghouti reflects on what it means when communities built on hospitality can no longer support their neighbours.

The Indian human rights defender who stopped a mining giant in its tracks speaks with Veronique Mistiaen.

Ego? Tick. Money? Tick. Power-hungry? Tick. A disaster for the world? Tick.

Who has what? Nukenomics, toxic testing, and atomic opinions.

The photos, facts, and politics of Peru.

‘No panic’ by Maarten Wolterink (Netherlands)