The Economist explains

How are maritime boundaries determined?

The UN convention is widely accepted, even where not formally agreed

A CANNON SHOT fired from the coast can hit a ship three nautical miles out to sea. In the 17th century, this was the basis for maritime boundaries. Countries could claim sovereignty as far as they could defend from the shore. Today land is still the basis of claims over the sea, and with countries projecting their military and economic power farther across the waves, competing claims have left the oceans fraught with disputes: 39% of sea boundaries are yet to be agreed. However, this matters less than may be expected.

A destroyed Russian tank sits on a roadside near the town of Sudzha, Ukraine

How will mines dropped by drones change warfare?

They make attacks on tanks more precise and troops easier to trap

Donald Trump Jr., center, smiles after arriving in Nuuk, Greenland.

What do Greenlanders think of being bought?

Donald Trump’s desire for Greenland, and a shabby visit by his son, reignite the independence debate


FILE - A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias

What would Donald Trump gain from seizing the Panama Canal?

The president-elect claims the crossing is controlled by China and rips off American consumers


Where does Santa come from?

How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas

Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?

They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common

Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?

He is, but things are slowly beginning to change