The drama of his first term seems to have galvanized him. Many east asians recoil at the smell of fermented milk, which westerners consume regularly as yogurt or cheese. For three years, i reported from southeast asia, where most countries eat some form of fermented sea food. But it turns out that culturally specific smell preferences are more the exception than the rule.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered a new phase, and its forces in Ukraine have a new commander—one with a history of targeting civilians. The next few weeks are likely to see huge, bloody battles for control of the eastern Donbas region. As Sunday’s presidential run-off vote approaches our French-election series profiles the incumbent, Emmanuel Macron. And why smell preferences vary little across cultures.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer