South Africa: What Remains of the Miracle

South Africa: What Remains of the Miracle

In 1994, South Africa appeared to accomplish the improbable. After decades of apartheid, political violence, international sanctions and confrontations that many feared would culminate in civil war, the country held its first democratic elections under universal suffrage. Nelson

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 11, 202616 min read
Analysis
The Moroccan Paradox: A Country Moving Forward, a Society Still Waiting

The Moroccan Paradox: A Country Moving Forward, a Society Still Waiting

Morocco is building ports, highways, railway lines, energy infrastructure and industrial zones. It manufactures automobiles and aerospace components, exports processed phosphates, attracts international investment and is becoming increasingly integrated into European and global v

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 10, 202612 min read
Analysis
The Faces of Authoritarianism: When Ideologies Converge Toward the Concentration of Power

The Faces of Authoritarianism: When Ideologies Converge Toward the Concentration of Power

Authoritarianism has many faces. It can invoke revolution or tradition, the nation or social class, religion or the military, order or the radical transformation of society. It can emerge from a coup, a civil war, or a revolution, but it can also advance within democratic institu

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 10, 202617 min read
Analysis
The High North: As the Boundaries Begin to Melt

The High North: As the Boundaries Begin to Melt

Arctic routes, resources and strategic rivalry at the top of the world On the flat maps that have long shaped our perception of the world, the Arctic appears to belong to its outer margins. Greenland is pushed toward the top, Siberia and Alaska seem far apart, while Europe, Asia

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 8, 202617 min read
Analysis
The Material Footprint of Artificial Intelligence

The Material Footprint of Artificial Intelligence

Behind the apparent immateriality of artificial intelligence lies a vast industrial infrastructure. Semiconductors, data centers, power grids, cooling systems, copper, water, concrete and global supply chains form the physical foundation of a technology often presented as purely

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 7, 202614 min read
Analysis
The Vatican: Anatomy of a Power Without Territory

The Vatican: Anatomy of a Power Without Territory

The world’s smallest state possesses no significant natural resources, no industrial base, and no conventional military capable of defending its territory. Yet from a few dozen hectares enclosed within the heart of Rome, the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with 184 states

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 7, 202616 min read
Analysis
Bonnie & Clyde: Behind the Myth, America in the Great Depression

Bonnie & Clyde: Behind the Myth, America in the Great Depression

Introduction — Two Criminals Who Became an American Legend They died young, together, on a road in Louisiana. Bonnie Parker was 23. Clyde Barrow was 25. On May 23, 1934, six lawmen were waiting for them near Gibsland, in Bienville Parish. When the Ford V8 driven by Clyde slowed d

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 6, 202633 min read
Analysis
Taiwan: At the Heart of the Strategic Balance of the 21st Century

Taiwan: At the Heart of the Strategic Balance of the 21st Century

Between Democratic Governance, Technological Leadership, and Global Power Competition

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 6, 20266 min read
Analysis
The Steel Industry: From Ancient Forges to a New Age of Strategic Power

The Steel Industry: From Ancient Forges to a New Age of Strategic Power

Part I — Steel, the Invisible Foundation of Modern Power It is everywhere, yet rarely attracts attention. Behind the skyscrapers that shape urban skylines, the bridges that connect territories, the railways that structure trade, the power plants that supply economies, and the shi

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 5, 2026164 min read
Analysis
India: The Rise of a Civilizational Power in a Changing World Order

India: The Rise of a Civilizational Power in a Changing World Order

Part I — A Civilization Older Than the Modern State India cannot be understood solely through the prism of the modern state established in 1947. Its contemporary influence is rooted in a civilization that stretches back several millennia, making it one of the oldest continuous ci

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 4, 202639 min read
Analysis
The Economics of Sport: When Competition Becomes a Global Industry

The Economics of Sport: When Competition Becomes a Global Industry

Part I — From the Playing Field to a Global Industry For much of modern history, sport was primarily regarded as a form of entertainment, a vehicle for social cohesion, and an expression of cultural identity. Today, however, it has evolved into one of the world's most dynamic eco

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 3, 202625 min read
Analysis
Governing Through Guilt

Governing Through Guilt: When Collective Failures Become Individual Moral Obligations

When Collective Failures Become Individual Moral Obligations Democracies do not function through legal coercion alone. They also rest on shared norms, civic duties and a particular understanding of the common good. Paying taxes, respecting collective rules, contributing to nation

by Atlas Limits Research DeskAugust 2, 202614 min read
Analysis

Reading and research assistant

Ask Atlas

Ask a question about the global economy, geopolitics or strategic transformations.

Responses are generated by artificial intelligence and may contain errors.

What would you like to understand better?