August 15th 2026

The Economist Today Our best journalism, handpicked each day

Aaron Coultate Head of newsletters

This month a drone carrying plastic explosives nearly blew up a giant transport plane (and more besides) at an airport in Leipzig. Germany has not formally attributed the attempted attack to Russia—yet. The near-miss is a warning that Europe must get its act together when it comes to defending against hybrid warfare. This week’s Telegram column explains why Taiwan’s political system is a deterrent against a Chinese invasion or blockade. Alas, our columnist notes, far from prizing Taiwan’s democracy, self-interested politicians are breaking it.

Editor’s picks A selection of must-read articles

Shields up Europe must do more to guard its airports from Russian drones The Leipzig attack shows the danger of Russian-style hybrid warfare

The Telegram Taking Taiwan’s democracy hostage Self-interested Taiwanese politicians are making the country increasingly ungovernable. China is the only winner

Five years after America left Under the Taliban, Afghanistan is, for once, peaceful Also very hungry, poor and repressed

Shaken A big earthquake reveals two very different Colombias The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, took office three days before it struck

A burning issue Sexually transmitted infections are surging in Europe To restrain them, countries must increase testing and reduce stigma

Say cheese! Britain has more cheeses than France. The whey ahead may be harder Greater freedom to innovate has helped bring about an artisan revival

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Illustration: KAL

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