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.

People across the world are standing up to the power of the arms trade. Amy Hall explores its threat to life and democracy.

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

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.

Starting from the revelations of a global pandemic, Dinyar Godrej looks into the possible futures of work.

Lives and livelihoods have been laid down for democracy. The economy is on the brink of collapse. The world must support the people’s quest to end military rule once and for all, writes Preeti Jha.

Will Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s new, gay Taoiseach, live up to high expectations? Richard Swift reports.

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

Update from Iran by Lydia Noon.

Green Border; Here.

Could the iron road lead the way to climate justice? By Monisha Rajesh.

Avoudé; 3.

The murder of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has shone a spotlight on Uganda’s domestic abuse crisis. Sophie Neiman pays tribute to the determined runner.

The untiring campaigner and guardian of the deep, Claire Nouvian, speaks with Veronique Mistiaen about the transformative experience that led to her choosing her path – on to eventual victory.

Richard Swift takes aim at Sava Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar, once friends but now foes at the pinnacle of violent South Sudanese politics.

The industry; distrust in the news; laws and regulations; key terms; term usage over time.

The photos, facts, and politics of India.

USAID, illustrated by Kate Evans.