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June 07, 2026

In the code of America’s greatest generals, hatred of war has been as foundational as grim awareness of the necessity to prepare for it. The readiness to kill when called upon has traditionally been only a baseline requirement in the eyes of America’s greatest warriors—they have usually asked more of rising military leaders. Yet where past military leaders treated violence as a tragic necessity, Pete Hegseth celebrates war as righteous and even thrilling. Tap the link in our bio to learn why one does not need much common sense to long for a return to high standards for America’s most important jobs. Illustration: @inky.dave

June 07, 2026

With a population of 1.45bn, India accounts for a sixth of humanity. It surpassed China as the world’s most populous country in 2023 and has kept growing. But its total fertility rate, the number of births a typical woman has over her lifetime, has fallen to 1.9, below the level needed to keep the population stable in the long run. Some might see a shrinking population as a blessing. Yet the prospect of an India with fewer children is not an entirely comforting one. It would get old before it gets rich, making for a difficult demographic transition. Tap the link in our bio to learn how the effects would ripple through its society, its economy and its politics. Illustration: Reya Ahmed

June 08, 2026

Japan’s sprawling sex industry, thought to be worth ¥2trn-5trn ($12bn-31bn) a year, is woven into male social life. One study in 2022 found that 48% of Japanese men had paid for sex at some point, compared with 11% in Britain. Lately, however, lawmakers’ tolerance for the industry has come under much strain. Two recent triggers have encouraged Japanese to re-examine the confusing thicket of laws and conventions that govern how sex work is policed. Tap the link in our bio to learn what they are, and why a big rethink seems unlikely. Photo: Getty Images