Features

When the transnational giant decided to dig for lithium in Serbia it was met by widespread protests. But beyond the people’s rebellion lie deeper questions of imperialism, environmentalism and ‘green’ tech. Andrej Ivančić and Sergey Steblev inspect them in this cautionary tale.

Decades on, the relatives of those disappeared under Brazil’s military dictatorship are finally getting some answers about what happened to their loved ones, but calls for justice are going unanswered. Raphael Tsavkko Garcia reports.

Tom Haines-Doran explores the recent disputes between Britain’s train operating companies and rail union RMT over driver-only operation – and asks why railway workers are both willing to take strike action and successful in doing so.

The history of the railways is steeped in the development of capitalism and imperialism. But it has also been profoundly shaped from the bottom up. Conrad Landin profiles five trailblazers who left their mark on the tracks.

The low-friction, high-capacity technology of railways means the economic and environmental costs of expanding them are worthwhile, argues Gareth Dennis.

Half a century after Tanzania and Zambia built a railway to reduce the latter’s dependence on its white-ruled neighbours, East Africa’s railways are once again on the up. Can new lines help African countries trade with each other – or are they just a beacon of the new imperialism? Priya Sippy reports.

Networks, speed, traction, environment, and the safety of railways.

Initiatives, action, and further reading on railways.

On every continent, the railways are experiencing a renaissance. But what will it take to reshape them in the interests of people? Conrad Landin investigates.

Humorous yet shocking, mundane yet intimate – underpants have proved a useful tool for change. Katie Dancey-Downs examines the power of political undercrackers.

Vladimir Putin used ‘de-nazification’ as a bogus justification for Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. Richard Swift and Conrad Landin examine the history of far-right currents in both countries.

When UN peacekeepers brought cholera to Haiti, it triggered the world’s worst outbreak. Sophie Cousins reports on how the country has rid itself of the disease, but the fight for justice goes on.

As European Union member states ramp up their military spending in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Juliet Ferguson and Paulo Pena of Investigate Europe explore who has the most to gain.

Rivers cross political borders without so much as a ‘by your leave’. Which can cause some sticky situations for the humans who depend on them, as Yali Banton-Heath explains.

The world’s rivers inspire wonder and poetry. But take a closer look at what’s lurking within… Words: Vanessa Baird.

Unregulated mining has wreaked havoc on Mongolia’s waterways. A civil society movement to protect them is determined to make headway, despite facing an obstacle course. Anand Tumurtogoo reports.

A persistent, inspiring campaign to remove dams choking the Klamath River is on the verge of success. From the United States, Bruce Shoemaker recounts what it took to get there.

The Kukama people of the Peruvian Amazon say their river is alive and has rights; the authorities see it as a resource to be exploited. Stephanie Boyd tells the story of the women determined to protect it.

Vital statistics about the life support, biodiversity, pollution, and damming of rivers.

Initiatives, action, and further reading on rivers.