NZZ Geopolitics

14/08/2025

The export of American computer chips to China is a billion-dollar business from which the U.S. government itself is now profiting. But even as mutual distrust grows, the geopolitical rivals are finding it hard to cut ties.

12/08/2025

For decades, the Marshall Plan has been credited with ushering in the economic boom in postwar Europe. But the plan was neither as altruistic nor generous as many believe, and several other factors played underappreciated roles.

For decades, the Marshall Plan has been credited with ushering in the economic boom in postwar Europe. But the plan was neither as altruistic nor generous as many believe, and several other factors played an underappreciated role.

11/08/2025

Because of political pressures, no one has been held responsible to date for the catastrophic 2020 port explosion in Lebanon’s capital. The new government wants to change that. But a treacherous political path lies ahead.

10/08/2025

Nowhere in the world is the beer market growing as fast as in Africa. Swiss entrepreneur Eser Karatas founded a brewery in Cameroon to tap into the trend.

Africa is the world's fastest-growing beer market. Swiss entrepreneur Eser Karatas founded a brewery in Cameroon to tap into the trend. Despite power-supply troubles and high costs, he's already winning prizes.

09/08/2025

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the face of Ukraine's struggle for freedom. But after three and a half years of war, he is in danger of being overwhelmed by problems and has lost his infallible instinct.

The president is the face of Ukraine's struggle for freedom. But after three and a half years of war, Zelenskyy is in danger of being overwhelmed by problems. He has lost his infallible instinct.

08/08/2025

Few countries have invested so much trust and money in the U.S. economy as Switzerland. It is America’s sixth largest foreign investor, with annual investment of around $350 billion. More than 400,000 American jobs depend on Swiss companies.

Few countries have invested so much trust and money in the U.S. economy as Switzerland. With annual investment of around $350 billion, over 400,000 American jobs depend on Swiss companies.

07/08/2025

Last summer, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, advancing rapidly. A year later, the gains have faded, raising questions over its success and exposing two unintended consequences.

Last summer, Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, advancing rapidly. A year later, the gains have faded, raising questions over its success and exposing two unintended consequences

06/08/2025

Many young Chinese men feel inadequate, lonely and unable to find a partner. Some are blaming this on the rise of feminism, and a popular new computer game even lets players get revenge on «gold diggers.» But there's more to the story.

Many young Chinese men feel lonely and unable to find a partner. Some are blaming this on the rise of feminism. A popular new computer game even lets players get revenge on «gold diggers.» But there's more to the story.

05/08/2025

Six months into his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to hold fast to his new tariff policy and is imposing steep penalties on many countries, including and especially Switzerland. The reasons are growing clearer.

03/08/2025

In the U.S. and elsewhere, birth rates have hit a historic low. Pronatalists Malcolm and Simone Collins warn of a civilizational «collapse.» They believe the only way to save the world is to have as many children as possible.

02/08/2025

In today's obsessively digital world, a Romanian woman's story sounds like a fairy tale. A visit with the grandmother whose love of books made her a TikTok celebrity.

01/08/2025

America likes to flex its muscles, especially under President Trump. But while China is arming itself with a vengeance, U.S. military spending isn't keeping up with its rivals.

America likes to flex its muscles to the outside world, especially under President Trump. But while China is arming itself with a vengeance, U.S. military spending no longer corresponds with the geopolitical challenges.