The Globalist

We ask what the populist surge for Italy’s political parties means for the country, discuss France’s relationship with Iran and explore Turkey’s interest in West Africa. Plus: we hear from an Oscar winner and review the front pages.

We find out what to expect from the Italian election, discuss calls to ban the apartheid-era flag and find out why laughter is one of the best forms of protest. Plus: why have Japan’s toilet pictograms gone global?

Russia’s presidential election may seem like a foregone conclusion but the incumbent isn’t taking any chances – Vladimir Putin’s annual speech to parliament is likely to offer all sorts of pre-vote giveaways. Plus: Macedonia’s proposals to christen itself anew, women’s roles in Saudi government and Tokyo’s new Olympic mascot.

South Africa has carried out a radical cabinet reshuffle, with parliament voting in favour of land expropriation without compensation. Can Ramaphosa’s new ministers and policies really deliver the economic rebirth he has promised? Plus: we look ahead to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the UK next week and investigative journalists under threat.

Angela Merkel unveils the fresh faces of her new and younger cabinet but will it be enough to reinvigorate confidence in her leadership? And the documentary filmmaker John Battsek tells us about the challenges facing an ever-evolving industry. Plus: what now for The Weinstein Company?

From president to emperor? We analyse President Xi’s ambitions to tear up the Chinese rule book and serve for longer than convention allows. Plus: a review of the Winter Olympics closing ceremony and we assess Brazil’s ‘Prosub’ submarine programme.

After more than 60 years ETA may be disbanding, the Greek government has agreed to investigate senior officials accused of accepting bribes and Barnaby Joyce, the Australian deputy prime minister, has resigned. Plus Sweden’s cashless economy, business with Louise Cooper and the day’s front pages.

As the UK sets out its position on the post-Brexit transition period, we ask if there’s finally some clarity on the UK’s plans to leave the EU. Plus: Latvia is in disarray as the banking scandal continues, we look ahead to Italy’s election and hear from our bureau chief on the road, James Chambers in Bandung.

Spotlight on Syria and Turkey: troops from both sides are fighting in northern Syria on opposing sides of its long-running conflict. Plus: we take a closer look at the German army, which does not have basic equipment such as tents and winter clothes that would be needed for rapid Nato deployment, and we hear the story behind the Pentagon Papers.

Could Australia lead a new global alliance for an alternative to China’s Belt and Road initiative? Plus: Justin Trudeau visits India, our series on whistle-blowing continues and the entrepreneurial empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia.

We take the temperature of the Trump White House as the US marks Presidents Day. Plus: we’re at the Munich Security Conference and we hear from prime minister Ramush Haradinaj as Kosovo celebrates a decade since independence.

What Iranian president Hassan Rouhani wants to achieve with his visit to India, how much longer Vladimir Putin will stay in power in Russia, plus a round-up of the day’s newspapers.

Reactions to the resignation of President Zuma in South Africa, how the EU should elect its leaders, plus a German plan to fight pollution with free public transport.

We discuss Nato’s ambitious plans to build two new HQs and the future of South Africa. Plus: what’s next for Germany’s SPD party as its support dissipates.

We ask how digital currency can impact the environment and discuss propaganda and North Korean cheerleaders. Plus: a new set of portraits of the Obamas are unveiled and we check in at Stockholm Design Week.